Portret van Étienne-Denis Pasquier 1825 - 1842

Nicolas Maurin made this portrait of Étienne-Denis Pasquier using lithography, a printmaking technique that relies on the chemical repulsion of oil and water. The image is drawn on a stone or metal plate with a greasy substance, then inked and pressed onto paper. Looking closely, you can see the subtle gradations of tone, achieved through careful manipulation of the lithographic crayon. The velvety blacks and smooth grays give the portrait a sense of depth and realism, capturing the texture of Pasquier's clothing and the contours of his face. Lithography was a relatively new technology at the time, offering a more affordable and efficient way to produce images compared to traditional engraving. This made it a popular choice for portraiture, allowing a wider audience to access likenesses of prominent figures like Pasquier, a well-known French statesman. By embracing this innovative medium, Maurin democratized the art of portraiture, blurring the lines between fine art and mass production. This print reminds us that artistic choices are always intertwined with social and economic forces.