Portret van Bernard-Joseph Saurin 1810s - 1820s

This is a portrait of Bernard-Joseph Saurin, made by Louis Croutelle in the late 18th century. It’s an engraving, a printmaking technique that excels in precise detail, as we see here. Look closely at the lines. Croutelle uses hatching and cross-hatching, building up tonal depth to create a sense of volume, particularly noticeable in Saurin’s face and wig. The composition is formal: the subject is framed within a rectangle, a typical convention of portraiture, yet Croutelle subtly disrupts this formality. Saurin's gaze and slight smirk create a sense of psychological depth, hinting at the man beneath the powdered wig. The print embodies the Enlightenment's interest in reason and observation. The emphasis on clear lines and structured composition mirrors the rationalist philosophies of the time. Yet, there’s also a hint of the individual, a challenge to fixed categories of representation. The artist's skill lies not just in technical ability but in the expression of character, inviting continuous exploration.