Portret van Édouard Thomas Burgues de Missiessy 1835 - 1851

This is Antoine Maurin's "Portret van Édouard Thomas Burgues de Missiessy", made sometime in the 19th century. The portrait's composition is stark and hierarchical. Observe the careful gradations of light and shadow rendered through lithography. The subject is placed centrally, drawing our eye immediately to his figure. Note how the artist has used line and shading to convey texture and volume, from the delicate rendering of the face to the intricate details of the military attire. The very structure of the portrait—its formal, rigid composition—speaks to the codes of representation in the 19th century. It upholds notions of power, status, and the individual's place within a social hierarchy. The semiotic weight of his clothing becomes apparent; each medal and button is a signifier of rank and achievement. Maurin's skillful manipulation of light and shadow not only describes form but also invests the portrait with a sense of gravitas. The aesthetic choices reflect and reinforce the social values of the time.