Portret van een man met handschoenen en hoed in de hand, naar rechts 1795

Here we see a portrait made by Jan Gerard Waldorp around 1795. The etching on paper captures a man facing right, holding gloves and a hat. The structure of the composition relies on a somber palette and intricate detailing to construct the sitter's presence. Consider how the artist's meticulous use of line and texture models the sitter's rich garments, against the plain background which invites us to focus on the individual and material signifiers of status. The meticulous rendering of fabric and lace emphasizes texture which suggests not just wealth but also reflects broader artistic and philosophical concerns prevalent during the period. The gaze and the pose could reflect values of the age, emphasizing reason, order and a controlled presentation of self. Note the semiotic system of signs through which Waldorp communicates status and character. This etching provides more than just a likeness; it is a carefully constructed image of power and social standing, reflecting how art engages with ideas about representation and identity.