Portret van Ferdinand-Philippe hertog van Orléans 1840 - 1855

This is G. Metzeroth’s portrait of Ferdinand-Philippe, Duke of Orleans. The black and white print offers a study in contrasts, where the subject’s likeness is framed by a decorative border. The tonal gradations lend a soft focus to the Duke’s features, while the darker hues define his military attire. Structurally, the portrait uses a play of geometric and organic forms. The sharp lines of the frame, punctuated by symmetrical rosettes, enclose the more fluid depiction of the Duke. This juxtaposition creates a visual tension. Semiotically, this invokes the rigid order of rank against the individualized traits of the Duke. The composition implies a hierarchy, where the Duke is presented as a signifier of power, framed by the symbolic language of nobility. Yet, the softness of the rendering introduces ambiguity, challenging the fixity of his representation. This piece thus mediates between established norms and nascent expressions of individuality.