Portret van Petrus Hermanus Bon 1866 - 1896

Louis Robert Werner created this portrait of Petrus Hermanus Bon using photography. The composition strikes us with its use of framing: Bon is neatly centered and confined within the oval photographic print which itself is carefully laid upon the neutral page of the album. Note the way the image's tonal range is masterfully controlled. The limited sepia palette creates depth through subtle gradations, bringing Bon's face and beard into sharp relief against his jacket, thus suggesting the textures of hair, cloth, and skin. Consider how this formal arrangement functions symbolically. The close framing and controlled tonality serve to highlight the sitter’s presence and create a sense of intimacy. The meticulous framing and album setting transform the image into a carefully preserved memento, indicative of the importance placed on memory.