Medaille met portret van René Levasseur after 1831

Achille Collas created this print, "Medaille met portret van René Levasseur," rendering a familiar historical symbol with stark precision. The composition is dominated by the circular form of the medal itself, a shape traditionally associated with completeness and perfection. Collas uses a monochromatic palette, emphasizing the gradations of light and shadow to sculpt Levasseur's profile. Note how the fine, parallel lines create texture and volume, giving a tactile quality to the image. The incised lettering around the portrait anchors the figure within the socio-political context of its time, acting as a symbolic frame. By focusing on line and form, Collas presents not just a portrait but a study in representation. The choice to depict Levasseur in profile evokes classical antiquity, linking him to a lineage of historical figures celebrated in similar forms. This technique elevates the individual, framing him within a narrative of enduring significance, carefully constructed through visual language.