Portret van Louis Ricquier 1822

Guillaume Philidor Van den Burggraaff created this portrait of Louis Ricquier using lithography. It’s a medium that democratized image-making in the 19th century. Louis Ricquier, identified as a painter, is immortalized here not just as an individual but as a figure representative of his class and profession. Van den Burggraaff gives us a glimpse into the visual culture of the Dutch elite. The portrait’s success lies in its ability to capture not just likeness, but also a sense of Ricquier's social standing, made evident through his poised gaze and elegant attire. The lithographic technique, with its tonal subtleties, adds a layer of depth, inviting us to contemplate the relationship between the individual and the societal forces that shape identity and representation. Ultimately, it is a reminder of how portraiture functions as a cultural mirror, reflecting both the individual and the values of the society in which they lived.