Portret van Martin Volckamer op 29-jarige leeftijd 1639

Sebastian Furck made this portrait of Martin Volckamer in 1639, using engraving. This process, a cornerstone of early printmaking, involves meticulously incising lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The material and process here has social significance. Furck masterfully used line to capture not just Volckamer’s likeness, but also his status. Notice the details of his clothing, from the lace collar to the elaborate sash. These aren’t just aesthetic choices; they speak to Volckamer’s position within the military and society. The act of engraving itself, requiring skilled labor and precision, mirrors the discipline and hierarchy of the military world Volckamer inhabited. The Latin inscription reminds us of the fleeting nature of honor, fortune, and wealth; all shall pass, but enduring fame is all that matters. The laborious craft of engraving immortalizes Volckamer's image, elevating him beyond the mere transience of life.