Portret van Narcyz Olizar after 1832

This is Émilien Desmaisons' "Portret van Narcyz Olizar," a print at the Rijksmuseum. The image is a study in contrasts, light and shadow, form and absence. The subject, Narcyz Olizar, is framed within a soft, neutral backdrop, with a focus on the detailed rendering of his face and attire. Desmaisons's use of hatching and cross-hatching creates depth and volume, particularly noticeable in the folds of Olizar's coat and the contours of his face. The light catches the high points, leaving the rest to suggestion. Consider how this print engages with the semiotic language of portraiture. The subject's gaze, his posture, and even the meticulous details of his clothing, communicate ideas about status, character, and identity. Each stroke contributes not only to the visual likeness but also to the construction of meaning, inviting viewers to interpret the signs and codes embedded within the image.