Portret van J.J. de Lange Possibly 1852 - 1853

This portrait of J.J. de Lange is rendered in lithograph by Johann Peter Berghaus and resides in the Rijksmuseum. The image is dominated by the subject’s profile, meticulously detailed with fine, precise lines that capture the texture of his hair and the subtle contours of his face. Berghaus’ use of lithography here engages with the burgeoning technology of its time. The medium allows for a reproduction of tonal variations and textures that mimic the precision of a drawing, yet carries its own unique imprint. Note how the detailed lines and shading create a sense of depth and volume, essential in capturing the sitter's likeness and character. The linear precision and the monochromatic palette emphasize form and structure. It directs our focus to the play of light and shadow on the figure’s face and clothing. This attention to detail, combined with the use of a reproducible medium, highlights a moment in art history when traditional portraiture began to intersect with modern techniques of reproduction and representation. This intersection challenges the conventional notion of the unique, hand-crafted artwork.