Portret van René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur 1735 - 1767

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth's portrait of René-Antoine Ferchault de Réaumur, rendered with meticulous detail using etching techniques. The composition, confined within a rectangular frame, strikes a balance between the subject's lifelike presence and the graphic qualities of the print. Notice how Bernigeroth's use of line and texture creates depth and volume. The intricate cross-hatching defines the contours of Réaumur's face and clothing. This method not only captures the likeness of Réaumur but also emphasizes the materiality of the print itself. The use of hatching and delicate strokes transforms the surface into a field of visual information, inviting close inspection and interpretation. The stark contrast between light and shadow in the etching contributes to a sense of drama and emphasizes the sitter's features. The composition is carefully structured to draw the viewer's eye toward Réaumur's face, inviting contemplation on the relationship between representation and reality. As such, the work challenges our understanding of the relationship between the real and the represented.