Staande man met armen over elkaar 1777 - 1779

Pieter de Mare created this striking image of a standing man with his arms crossed, employing engraving techniques. Notice how the figure's stance and the detailed cross-hatching create a complex interplay of light and shadow, giving depth to the two-dimensional surface. The subject's clothes and hat are defined by tight, parallel lines to convey a sense of volume. Consider the structuralist approach where the binary oppositions are evident, contrasting the detailed texture of the clothes with the plain, undefined background. This contrast directs our attention to the subject, inviting us to consider his narrative and social context. The very composition destabilizes conventional portraits, emphasizing the figure's physical presence and the intricate detail of his attire over idealized representation. How does this emphasis challenge traditional notions of portraiture and engage with emerging ideas about representing ordinary individuals and their lived experiences? The artwork stands as a testament to the transformative power of lines in capturing the complexities of human form and societal values during that era.