Portrait of Lt General Lambert Jacobus Houbraken (1698-1780)

Here we observe a formal portrait rendered in monochrome engraving. The central figure is positioned within an oval frame, elaborately decorated with foliage and scrollwork. He appears as a man of authority, clad in military attire – a breastplate over a dark doublet, and a starched, pleated collar suggesting high rank. His gaze is directed slightly to the left, conveying a sense of composure and perhaps quiet determination. The lettering Lieutenant General Lambert is inscribed along the drapery that falls from the frame’s upper corners, reinforcing his military title.
The composition employs dramatic chiaroscuro – a stark contrast between light and shadow – to emphasize the subjects features and the texture of his clothing. This technique lends a sense of gravitas to the portrayal. The artist has meticulously detailed the folds of fabric, the gleam on the metal breastplate, and the subtle nuances of facial expression.
Below the frame, a putto emerges from a swirling arrangement of foliage and drapery. He holds aloft what appears to be a heraldic shield or emblem, further signifying the subject’s status and achievements. The presence of this cherubic figure introduces an element of allegorical symbolism – perhaps representing victory, honor, or divine favor bestowed upon the Lieutenant General.
The lower portion of the image contains inscriptions indicating provenance (In the Collection of the late Earl of Bradford) and copyright details, suggesting that this is a reproduction rather than an original artwork. The overall effect is one of carefully constructed formality, designed to project an image of power, dignity, and military prowess. The engraving’s style aligns with the conventions of 17th or 18th-century portraiture, emphasizing the subjects importance within a hierarchical social structure.