Portret van Louis-Mathieu Langlès 1815 - 1817

Jacques Noël Marie Frémy created this portrait of Louis-Mathieu Langlès using a delicate etching technique. The linear precision and subtle tonal gradations give it a certain neoclassical formality. What strikes us first is the profile view, a classical form revived during this period, emphasizing the subject's intellectual and noble attributes. The artist's mastery of line is evident in the meticulous rendering of Langlès's features and hair, each stroke carefully placed to define form and texture. Notice how Frémy uses hatching to create shadows and volume, giving depth to the figure against the flat, neutral background. This interplay of light and shadow defines the contours of his face and clothing, contributing to the portrait's overall sense of realism and presence. The formal qualities of this portrait – the clean lines, balanced composition, and restrained emotion – serve not only aesthetic purposes but also reflect the values and cultural codes of the time. The artist's approach embodies a discourse on representation, where form and technique communicate ideas about identity, status, and the enduring power of visual art.