Portret van de heer Serlé Horst c. 1851 - 1883

Johan Hendrik Hoffmeister created this lithograph, titled 'Portret van de heer Serlé Horst'. The tonal gradations of the lithographic medium allow for a detailed likeness, yet the composition’s geometry creates a compelling structure. Horst is presented in three-quarter view, centrally placed, and set against a neutral backdrop. The symmetry in his jacket and the crisp, linear precision of his features are softened by the texture of his hair. The lithograph employs a delicate balance of light and shadow to define form, evident in the subtle gradations of his face and clothing. The artwork is not merely a depiction of an individual, but also an exploration of representation itself. Hoffmeister uses form and line to create a sense of depth, yet maintains a flatness that reminds us of the artwork's status as an image. It encourages viewers to consider how portraits function as both records and interpretations of identity.