Portret van de Utrechtse hoogleraar George Willem Vreede 1861

This is Edouard Taurel’s portrait of George Willem Vreede, a professor from Utrecht, created as an engraving. The image presents us with a study in contrasts. Note how the light delicately models Vreede's face against the dark, heavy folds of his academic robe. There's a tangible sense of depth, achieved through the skillful manipulation of light and shadow, which pulls the figure forward. The composition leads your eye from the sharp lines of the face, down to the relaxed hand, and then to the flourish of the signature. Taurel’s formal choices aren't merely decorative, they serve to reinforce Vreede's status and intellectual presence. The portrait operates as a cultural artifact, embodying the codes of respectability and intellect. It's a fascinating example of how an artist uses form to convey societal values and structure meaning. We can see this piece as a constructed image that both reflects and shapes perceptions of power and knowledge.