Portret van Bertrand du Guesclin 1838 - 1841

Ephraïm Conquy created this drawing of Bertrand du Guesclin, rendered with delicate graphite lines, to capture form and texture. The figure stands purposefully, directing our gaze outward, his presence commanding the space despite the drawing’s muted tones. The composition, dominated by the figure’s strong diagonal and detailed rendering of clothing, directs our attention through a carefully structured hierarchy. The interplay of light and shadow, achieved through meticulous hatching, emphasizes the volume and texture of the fabric and armor. This approach not only highlights the material qualities of the subject but also engages with the philosophical ideas about representation and the power of visual communication. Consider the function of art in this period; the drawing invites us to reflect on the way we perceive and interpret historical figures, and the role art plays in shaping those perceptions.