Portret van Lodewijk Filips II (hertog van Orléans) 1824

Jean-Baptiste Mauzaisse created this portrait of Louis Philippe II, the Duke of Orleans. The monochrome lithograph features the Duke in formal attire, commanding a composition that merges softness with structured detail. Notice how the artist balances the rigid lines of the Duke's military jacket against the fluid texture of the fur collar and powdered wig. Mauzaisse masterfully uses the interplay of light and shadow to articulate the forms, giving a sense of depth and volume. This technique is not merely representational; it subtly reinforces the Duke's status and bearing. The lithograph, with its reproducible nature, democratizes the image of power. Consider how the choice of this medium speaks to broader shifts in the representation and dissemination of authority during the 19th century. It invites contemplation about the relationship between art, power, and evolving social structures.