Portret van Willem Herincx, bisschop van Yperen c. 1678 - 1694

Richard Collin created this print, *Portret van Willem Herincx, bisschop van Yperen* around the mid-17th century. Notice how the figure of Bishop Herincx is centrally positioned, creating a symmetrical composition. His gaze meets ours, establishing a direct connection. The textures, achieved through the intricate network of etched lines, give a tactile quality to his robes and the surrounding drapery. Consider how Collin uses line and form to convey not just a likeness, but also the Bishop’s status and character. The formal structure of the portrait, with its emphasis on balance and detail, reflects the hierarchical values of the time. The carefully rendered textures and patterns, serve as signs that communicate the Bishop’s authority. The print invites us to reflect on how artistic techniques, like the etching, function as part of a broader cultural discourse. It is a site of ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation that is ever evolving.