Dalmatiske Fysiognarnier 1858

Jacob Kornerup created this print, Dalmatiske Fysiognomier, using etching techniques. Notice how the arrangement of faces, each a study in character, fills the frame, creating a dense, almost claustrophobic composition. The artist used line work to define the contours and details of each face, focusing intently on capturing individual expressions and textures. The cross-hatching and varied line weights give depth and volume to the figures, while also creating a sense of movement and energy across the surface. This echoes the 19th-century interest in physiognomy, which sought to understand character through facial features, reflecting a broader scientific approach to understanding human identity. Kornerup masterfully utilizes the etched line, pushing it beyond mere representation to explore the boundaries of identity and representation, challenging us to consider the gaze and the power dynamics inherent in portraiture.