Portret van Jean-Nicolas Corvisart 1824 - 1910

This is Charles Victor Normand’s lithographic portrait of Jean-Nicolas Corvisart. Notice the imposing central figure, framed by a sea of empty space. The subject's gaze is direct, his posture erect, the tonality controlled within a narrow spectrum of greys. Normand’s lithograph presents Corvisart with a striking sense of presence and authority. It's not just a portrait; it's an exercise in the semiotics of power. The controlled shades and the figure's centered position construct a visual language that speaks to Corvisart's status and professional gravitas. The lithograph, thus, becomes a site where formal elements converge to articulate broader themes of representation, authority, and the societal role of the medical professional. This is more than just a portrait; it’s a structural statement.