Portret van Pierre Joseph Jacques Tiberghien

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Portrait of Pierre Joseph Jacques Tiberghien *Charles Pierre Joseph Normand, 1775–1840* This elegant engraving captures the likeness of Pierre Joseph Jacques Tiberien, rendered with the precision characteristic of late 18th- to early 19th-century French portraiture. Charles Pierre Joseph Normand, a skilled engraver active during this period, specialized in detailed reproductive prints that brought notable figures to a wider audience. Measuring 268 mm high by 191 mm wide, the portrait exemplifies the intimate scale of such works, ideal for collectors' albums or scholarly libraries. Engraving, the medium here, involves incising fine lines into a metal plate with a burin, creating rich tonal contrasts and intricate details through intaglio printing. This technique was revolutionary for its time, allowing high-quality reproductions of portraits that democratized access to elite imagery amid the Enlightenment's emphasis on knowledge dissemination. Normand's style reflects neoclassical ideals, prioritizing clarity and realism. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2228 of the Bibliothèque Royale de Belgique (Royal Library of Belgium), this piece boasts prestigious provenance, highlighting its value in institutional collections dedicated to preserving printmaking heritage. A window into 19th-century cultural exchange, it invites us to ponder Tiberghien's world—a blend of personal identity and artistic innovation.