Portrait of Fernand 1876

Félix Bracquemond created this etching titled "Portrait of Fernand," the dimensions of which are 19 1/8 × 13 3/16 inches. The composition emphasizes a full-length view of Fernand, casually posed against a backdrop that blurs the line between interior and nature. Bracquemond's technique here involves dense cross-hatching, which yields rich textures and tonal gradations. The play of light and shadow across the figure and the background creates a sense of depth, drawing us into the depicted space. Note how the artist employs a semiotic system of clothing and setting to signal status and intellect; Fernand’s attire and relaxed pose suggest a cultivated persona. Bracquemond challenges the traditional portrait format by integrating his subject into a more dynamic and ambiguous setting. Ultimately, Bracquemond's etching uses formal elements to explore themes of identity, representation, and the relationship between the individual and their environment.