Portret van Maria Anna, koningin van Spanje 1648

Here we see Elias Widemann’s rendering of Maria Anna, Queen of Spain, made using engraving techniques. Immediately, we are drawn into an intricate world of line and texture where every detail is meticulously etched to convey not just the likeness of a royal figure, but also her status and symbolic weight. Widemann uses the oval frame as more than just a border. Notice the Latin inscription. It is part of the composition and serves as a semiotic framework, layering meaning onto the portrait. The artist masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching to model form and create tonal depth. Look closely at the way light plays across Maria Anna's face. The elaborate costume is rendered with precise detail, the material itself becomes a signifier of wealth and power. The contrast between the smooth planes of her face and the busy ornamentation of her attire creates a visual tension, inviting us to consider the constructed nature of identity and representation. This engraving serves not only as a historical record but also as an elaborate display of artistic skill.