Portret van David van der Plaes c. 1657 - 1754

This drawing is a portrait of David van der Plaes, and it was made with chalk by an anonymous artist. The composition of the artwork is built on a cool and subdued palette of grey tones, enhancing its formal qualities. The subject is depicted with a soft, diffused light that gently models his face, drawing our attention to the delicate lines defining his features. The artist has carefully employed chalk to create a sense of volume and depth, while the flowing lines of the hair add a dynamic contrast to the stillness of the portrait. The inscription below the portrait, framed by ornate detailing, anchors the image, providing context to the portrayed figure. This element not only serves an aesthetic function, but also acts as a signifier of identity and status, typical of portraiture of this period. Through the careful arrangement of line, tone, and text, the artwork serves not only as a representation of an individual but also as a reflection of broader cultural values and the semiotic codes of its time.