Mandsportræt. Henrik, greve af Bergh. 1609 - 1670

This is a portrait of Henrik, Count of Bergh, made by Karel van Mander III in the 17th century. Van Mander executed this drawing with black and white chalk on blue paper, a technique that creates subtle highlights and shadows. The choice of materials gives this portrait a distinctive, almost ethereal quality. The blue paper serves as a middle ground, allowing the white chalk to highlight the count's features, while the black chalk defines the contours and adds depth to his expression. During this period, portraiture was often a commission, reflecting social status and power. The subtle details of the drawing, from the intricate rendering of his hair to the careful depiction of his facial features, reveal the artist’s skill, making it a valuable commodity in a society that prized artistry and craftsmanship. The use of chalk, while less permanent than oil paint, speaks to the value placed on drawing as a medium of artistic expression and documentation. The materiality and technique involved invite us to look beyond the image itself and appreciate the broader context of artistic production and social status in the 17th century.