Portret van Hendrik Tollens c. 1847 - 1865

This lithograph portrait of Hendrik Tollens was created by Koninklijke Nederlandse Steendrukkerij van C.W. Mieling. The composition is dominated by a monochromatic palette, lending a somber and reserved quality to the image. The textures, achieved through lithography, create a nuanced interplay of light and shadow. The figure of Tollens is carefully constructed. His gaze meets ours directly, but the subtle gradations of tone prevent the portrait from becoming overly assertive. The details in his clothing and hair are rendered with precision, yet the focus remains on the overall form and the balanced distribution of light. Considering structuralism, we can see how the artist uses binary oppositions, such as light and dark, to create a sense of depth and volume. The semiotic elements—the subject’s attire, his expression—form a complex sign that invites multiple interpretations. This work does not present a fixed meaning; instead, it engages us in a visual dialogue, encouraging ongoing re-evaluation.