Fotoreproductie van een tekening, voorstellende een portret van George Meredith before 1891

This photogravure reproduces a drawing of George Meredith by Frederick Hollyer. Hollyer's approach is striking, focusing on the play of light and shadow to construct the sitter’s profile. Notice how the soft gradations define Meredith’s features, from the curve of his nose to the textured beard, creating a delicate balance between form and void. The composition employs a limited tonal range, yet this very restraint enhances the portrait’s psychological depth. Hollyer skillfully uses chiaroscuro to subtly model the contours of the face, directing our gaze to the thoughtful expression captured in Meredith's eyes. The lack of stark lines or bold contrasts lends the image a dreamlike quality. It is through this subdued palette and gentle rendering that Hollyer transcends mere representation, inviting us to consider the intangible aspects of character and presence. The meticulous attention to detail and controlled manipulation of light speak to the rich interplay between technique and artistic intention.