Portret van Lodewijk van Lotharingen, graaf van Vaudémont 1818 - 1848

Jacopo Bernardi created this print, "Portret van Lodewijk van Lotharingen, graaf van Vaudémont" in 1808. Notice the monochromatic palette which invites a focus on form and texture. The stippling and hatching create gradations of tone that model the Count’s features and clothing. Bernardi’s use of line is particularly effective. Observe how he varies the density and direction to define the contours of the Count’s face, from the soft rendering of the skin to the sharper lines that delineate the hat. Similarly, the textures of the fur trim and the draped fabric are achieved through subtle shifts in line. The composition, while conventional for portraiture of the time, uses the play of light and shadow to create depth and volume. This print isn’t just a likeness; it’s a study in how graphic techniques can evoke presence. The structural interplay of line and tone invites us to look closely and consider the artistic skill required to create such a detailed image with limited means.