Portrait of Alphonse Karr 1878

Marcellin Desboutin made this print, *Portrait of Alphonse Karr*, using drypoint. Note the subject’s gaze, directed away, a choice that creates a sense of detachment. The composition relies on a stark contrast between the detailed rendering of Karr's face and the sketchier treatment of his clothing. Look at the network of fine lines that build up the tonal depth in his beard and hair. Desboutin masterfully uses the drypoint technique to create velvety blacks and a rich texture, drawing our eye to the intellectual intensity of Karr. This textural contrast is not merely decorative; it signifies a separation of mind and body, inviting us to consider Karr’s persona as a construct—an idea explored within the burgeoning field of semiotics during the late 19th century. The gaze, the beard, the signature, all become signs pointing to the identity of the sitter. The work destabilizes our understanding of portraiture, as it moves beyond mere likeness to engage with broader questions of representation.