Portret van Jan Nieuwenhuyzen 1818 - 1876

Carel Christiaan Antony Last created this print, a portrait of Jan Nieuwenhuyzen. The composition relies on a play of light and shadow, creating depth and volume on Nieuwenhuyzen's face and attire. Notice how Last uses hatching and cross-hatching to build up tone, giving the image a tactile quality. The contrast is subtle, yet it defines the subject's features and suggests a contemplative mood. Consider the semiotic implications of portraiture during this period. It's not just a likeness but a statement about the sitter's status and character. The controlled lines and shaded areas evoke a sense of gravity, characteristic of 19th-century portraiture. The formal qualities here create an image which invites the viewer to consider ideas of representation and identity.