Portret van Ascanio Filomarino 1655 - 1699

Jean Louis Roullet's "Portret van Ascanio Filomarino" presents a study in structured formality. The engraving, rendered in delicate lines, captures Filomarino within an oval frame, a compositional choice that immediately imposes a sense of order and containment. The detailed hatching and cross-hatching create a range of tones, from the bright highlights on the cardinal's face to the deep shadows in the folds of his robes, lending the piece a striking sense of depth and volume. The texture of the paper itself contributes to the visual experience, adding a tactile dimension to the otherwise smooth surface. The carefully inscribed text surrounding the portrait acts as a semiotic framing device, reinforcing Filomarino's identity and status through language. Below, the inclusion of his coat of arms further anchors the image within a specific socio-political context. This portrait does more than simply represent an individual; it constructs an image of authority, carefully mediated through the formal qualities of line, texture, and composition. It invites us to consider how power is visually encoded and communicated.