J. Rousset de Missy 1747

Editor: This is a portrait of J. Rousset de Missy by Jacobus Houbraken. The sitter's gaze and the contrasts in texture between his velvet robe and powdered wig give it a really striking quality. What do you see in the composition of this work? Curator: The interplay of light and shadow, particularly across the sitter’s face and within the folds of his garments, establishes a clear visual hierarchy. Consider the subtle modulation of tone that defines form; it is this that offers the illusion of three-dimensionality. Editor: That makes perfect sense! I hadn't considered how carefully the tones define the shapes. Curator: Note how the engraved lines, their direction and density, serve to model the figure. Observe how the inscription below functions as an integral part of the overall design. Editor: Thank you, I'll certainly look more closely at the use of line from now on.