Portret van Carolus van Utenhoven Possibly 1605 - 1899

This is Simon van de Passe's "Portret van Carolus van Utenhoven," an engraving made in the early 17th century. The tight composition, encased within an oval frame, presents Utenhoven with remarkable clarity. Note the meticulous detail achieved through fine lines, defining his features and clothing. The structural arrangement here invites a semiotic reading. The oval, a shape associated with completeness, subtly suggests Utenhoven’s well-rounded character. The text enveloping the portrait serves not just as a label but as a symbolic embrace, emphasizing his importance. The use of line to create texture and form is particularly striking; it's in the cross-hatching that defines the shadows of his face, giving volume and depth. Ultimately, it is the formal construction of van de Passe's engraving that elevates it beyond a mere likeness, inviting us to consider how form and content merge to convey meaning. The portrait becomes a study in how visual structure can articulate identity and status within its cultural moment.