Michael Vibe 1684 - 1690

Hubert Schaten created this intriguing engraving, “Michael Vibe,” which now resides in the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst. Visually, the work is dominated by a highly structured composition, framed within an octagonal border adorned with heraldic symbols. The portrait itself is a study in contrasts – the subject’s soft, almost fleshy features set against the rigorous detail of his wig and attire. This interplay between organic form and rigid structure immediately invites closer inspection. The use of line and texture here isn't just descriptive; it's communicative. The fine hatching technique creates a sense of depth and volume, while also highlighting the textures of lace, fabric, and even the subject’s skin. Semiotically, the arrangement and depiction of these elements signal power and status, reflecting the subject's social standing. Ultimately, “Michael Vibe” is an exploration of the interplay between representation and reality, where formal elements underscore and question the subject's identity and place within the 17th-century social hierarchy.