Portret van Karel I, landgraaf van Hessen-Kassel 1696

Jacob Gole created this portrait of Charles I, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, sometime around 1700 using engraving techniques. The portrait, encased within an oval frame, immediately draws us in with its play of textures. Gole masterfully uses line and shading to distinguish between the smooth polish of the armor and the softness of the fur trim, creating a rich tactile experience. The subject, Charles I, is presented in a way that merges his personal identity with his status. Consider how the oval border isn't just a frame. Instead, it functions as a semiotic device, filled with symbols and inscriptions that speak to his lineage and authority, reinforcing a sense of historical narrative. Through this lens, Gole’s work is a visual encoding of power. It uses formal elements to reflect and propagate specific cultural values and dynastic claims.