Portret van Henricus van Olphen 1706

Jacob Gole created this portrait of Henricus van Olphen in 1706 using engraving. The composition is dominated by a play of circular and rectangular forms, each contributing to the portrait's structured yet decorative appearance. The oval frame that encloses the portrait softens the rigid angles of the rectangular plaque below. The detailed rendering of textures, from the soft curls of the wig to the smooth planes of the face, adds depth and tactility to the image. This attention to texture contrasts with the flatness of the inscribed plaque, creating a visual hierarchy that draws the eye upwards. Gole masterfully uses a semiotic system of visual signs to convey status and character. The elaborate wig and formal attire serve as cultural codes that signify van Olphen's position and intellect. Through a combination of shape, texture, and symbolic representation, Gole presents a portrait that engages with broader questions of identity, representation and social standing in the 18th century.