Portret van de theoloog Valentin Sutorius 1704

This is a portrait of the theologian Valentin Sutorius, created by Pieter Schenk. It presents a striking study in contrasts, both in its tones and textures. The artist’s use of mezzotint is notable here. Schenk skillfully employs a range of values to capture the essence and character of Sutorius. The use of light and shadow across the theologian's face and hair draws our eye to his expression. The contrast between the softly rendered, almost ethereal quality of Sutorius’s hair and beard against the darker, more solid fabric of his robes creates a captivating visual tension. It is contained within an oval frame, around which Latin script is written. Here, the structural elements of the portrait work to convey not only the physical likeness of the theologian but also something of his intellectual and spiritual presence. As we look, we can consider how Schenk's use of form and structure is a semiotic system that evokes Sutorius's cultural context and professional status.