Portret van drogman Emmanuel Persiany 1794

Nicolo Schiavonetti created this print, "Portret van drogman Emmanuel Persiany," around the turn of the 19th century, using engraving. The visual experience is dominated by a full-length figure rendered in meticulous detail. The somber tones evoke a sense of gravitas fitting for a formal portrait. Here, Schiavonetti masterfully employs line and texture to define form and space. The subject’s luxurious fur coat is rendered with fine lines, creating depth and tactile sensation. This contrasts with the smoother textures of his inner garments, distinguishing layers and materials. Schiavonetti’s expert handling of light and shadow not only models the figure but also invites contemplation on themes of representation and identity. The composition subtly plays with structure. The figure is centrally positioned, but the weight of detail in the clothing creates a visual imbalance. This subtle tension destabilizes the portrait by questioning conventional notions of status and cultural representation. The print invites us to see beyond the surface, to ponder the underlying forces shaping perception.