Portret van koning Lodewijk Filips I 1810 - 1874

This is a print of King Louis-Philippe I by Octave Tassaert. The symmetrical composition, encased in a double oval, immediately evokes a sense of formality and classical order. Note how Tassaert renders the King with soft gradations of tone, creating a gentle, almost melancholic aura. This portrait plays with notions of power and representation. The King's gaze, directed slightly off-center, creates a sense of distance, challenging the viewer's connection to the subject. The elaborate military attire contrasts with the soft, rounded features of the face, creating a tension between authority and humanity. The subtle lines and meticulous shading across the King's face offer insight into the changing perception of leadership in 19th century France. The portrait encapsulates the duality of a monarch who, while embodying power, also existed within a rapidly changing political landscape.