Portret van Matthias Corvinus 1549 - 1575

This is an engraving of Matthias Corvinus by an anonymous artist. The composition is dominated by the detailed rendering of the subject’s profile, framed within an ornamental border. Note the use of line and texture to convey a sense of volume and material, particularly in the rendering of the fur collar. The artist employs hatching and cross-hatching techniques, building up areas of light and shadow to articulate the form. The texture is further activated by the contrast between the smooth planes of the face and the intricate details of the hair. The frame does more than just contain the portrait. This piece invites us to consider the relationship between representation and power. Here, form is not merely decorative; it functions as a signifier, reflecting the subject’s status. The enduring power of this work resides in its capacity to evoke questions about how individuals are represented through formal artistic means.