Portret van Nicolas von Maxen 1712 - 1748

Moritz Bodenehr’s “Portret van Nicolas von Maxen” at the Rijksmuseum presents a formal arrangement that speaks volumes about 17th-century societal values. The monochrome engraving is dominated by an oval portrait, framed by architectural elements and draped fabric, creating a stage for its subject. Notice how the composition divides the space. On one side a fluted column stands rigidly, and on the other a theatrical curtain falls. This juxtaposition of the stable and the fluid plays out in Maxen himself, whose severe attire is offset by an elaborate wig. These contrasting elements function semiotically, hinting at the tension between the sitter's public role and his private persona. Even the cartouche with its heraldic symbols acts as a signifier, encoding status and lineage. Consider the function of such a portrait. It is not merely a likeness but a constructed image intended to project power and legitimacy. The stark lines and carefully arranged elements serve to solidify this projection, engaging with contemporary notions of representation and authority. The portrait, therefore, remains an intriguing artifact, inviting continued interpretation.