Portret van Michiel Adriaansz. de Ruyter 1676 - 1696

This is Paul van Somer II's portrait of Michiel Adriaansz. de Ruyter, made with engraving. The image's stark contrast and sharp lines define the planes of De Ruyter's face, drawing us into his gaze. The composition divides the figure and the background, with De Ruyter in the foreground holding a staff, a symbol of authority. Behind him, a seascape hints at his naval accomplishments. Van Somer uses the texture of the engraving to convey the richness of the fabrics. The inscription below, a form of paratext, serves not only as a label but also as a commentary, framing our understanding of the image. Yet, the portrait's formal elements—the sharp contrasts, the dynamic pose, and the textures—speak to broader cultural themes of leadership, power, and representation in the Dutch Golden Age. The semiotic reading of the elements adds to the larger narrative about the rise of the Dutch Republic.