Portret van Maurits, prins van Oranje 1604

Hendrick Hondius I created this engraving, *Portret van Maurits, prins van Oranje,* in 1599. At first glance, the tight lines of the engraving create a somewhat rigid and formal portrait of Prince Maurits, contained within an oval frame. The meticulous details, especially in the armor and the ruff, speak to the printmaker’s technical skill. Looking closer, the composition reveals a play between surface and depth, where lines define not just shape but also texture and light. Hondius uses hatching and cross-hatching to model form, giving the portrait a tactile quality. The contrasting textures—the smoothness of the face against the intricate patterns of the armor—create a visual hierarchy that draws our eye. The oval border, inscribed with text, functions almost as a frame within a frame, emphasizing the constructed nature of the image. This deliberate framing and detailed execution can be seen as a statement about representation and power, typical of the period. Art here is not merely a likeness, but also a carefully constructed symbol of authority.