Portret van Marianne, prinses der Nederlanden 1830 - 1871

This is an anonymous portrait of Marianne, Princess of the Netherlands. Its monochrome palette and delicate lines work together to create an image of restrained elegance. The composition centers on the princess’s upper body, framed against a neutral background. This directs our focus to her face, rendered with subtle gradations of tone that capture her likeness. The formal arrangement reflects the conventions of portraiture from this era, yet the artist's handling of light and shadow elevates the work beyond mere representation. See how the artist uses hatching and cross-hatching techniques to create depth, particularly in the drapery and around the face. These tonal variations give the print a three-dimensionality, contrasting with the flat, unmodulated paper. This work speaks to broader themes around representation, identity and the social role of portraiture. The print offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent figure while inviting us to consider the formal qualities that define its aesthetic appeal.