Portret van Luitenant-Kolonel Nepveu Possibly 1831 - 1838

This is a drawing of Lieutenant-Colonel Nepveu, made by Jacob Joseph Eeckhout. The artist has used graphite on paper, materials that have a long and established connection with the representation of power. The material itself, graphite, is unassuming – a readily available mineral refined into a tool. The artist coaxes out the texture of the paper, leaving some areas blank, while others are densely filled with graphite marks. Note how Eeckhout captures the rigid lines of the uniform, the epaulettes, and the dramatic hat, emphasizing Nepveu’s status. Portraiture has often served the powerful, and the relatively modest means of production here—drawing rather than painting—speaks to a moment of transition. As we consider the cultural significance of this artwork, let’s think about how the intersection of material, process, and social context shapes our understanding, challenging assumptions about the distinction between fine art and craft.