Portret van Jean Victor de Constant Rebecque c. 1851 - 1883

This is Johan Hendrik Hoffmeister’s portrait of Jean Victor de Constant Rebecque. It gives us a glimpse into 19th-century portraiture, focusing on form and structure to convey the sitter's persona. The artist employs the formal elements of line, texture, and light. Note the careful use of hatching and cross-hatching to define the contours of Rebecque's face and uniform. The composition is dominated by the contrast between the darker tones of the subject's attire and the lighter background, drawing our attention to the sitter. The textures, from the smooth skin to the detailed rendering of the uniform, add depth. The arrangement of light and shadow across the figure creates a sense of depth and volume. Hoffmeister's emphasis on these formal qualities transcends mere representation, inviting us to consider the very act of portraying identity. The work functions as a cultural artifact, reflecting the values and aesthetic sensibilities of its time.