Portret van Grégoire Bordillon

About this artwork

Aankoop uit het F.G. Waller-Fonds

Art Historical Context

"Portret van Gréire Bordillon" is striking 19th-century lithograph by French artist Adolphe Mouon, created sometime between 1830 and1881. Measuring 320mm by 245mm, this intimate portrait captures the likeness of its subject with the precision and tonal subtlety characteristic of lithography, a revolutionary printmaking technique invented in the late 18th century.illeron, known for his skillful reproductions of portraits and illustrations, leveraged lithography's ability to mimic drawing's fluidity, making high-quality images accessible beyond elite oil paintings. Lithography flourished in the 19th century as a democratizing force in art, enabling affordable dissemination of portraits of notable figures like Grégoire Bordillon—likely a contemporary personality whose identity reflects the era's fascination with individuality amid rapid social change. The medium's greasy crayon on stone process allowed for rich gradations of gray, lending the portrait a lifelike depth suited to personal or commemorative display. Acquired through the F.G. Waller-Fonds, this piece joins esteemed collections, highlighting institutional efforts to preserve 19th-century graphic arts. Visitors will appreciate its technical finesse and window into lithography's golden age, bridging fine art and everyday imagery.

About the Artist

Adolphe Mouilleron · 1820–1881

Adolphe Mouilleron (1820–1881) was a French painter and lithographer whose significant contributions to French printmaking and co-founding role in the artists' collective 'Les Artistes Contemporains' made him an important figure in mid-19th-century Parisian art. Born in Paris on December 20, 1820, Mouilleron achieved recognition through both his original lithographs and paintings, earning multiple...