Portret van Gottfried Weiss c. 1697 - 1699

This is Hermann Mosting’s rendering of "Portret van Gottfried Weiss," made using engraving techniques. The portrait is encased within an octagon, a shape that introduces an intriguing tension through its angular geometry. The subject, Gottfried Weiss, is captured with meticulous detail. Weiss is depicted with soft lines and tonal variation that suggests the texture of his hair and the intricate ruffles of his collar. The octagonal frame disrupts the conventional circular or rectangular portrait format, suggesting a break from traditional modes of representation. The inscription and decorative foliage that surround the portrait contribute to the artwork's complex semiotic system. They serve not only to identify the subject but also to contextualize him within a framework of knowledge and accomplishment. The strategic use of geometric form, combined with detailed engraving, challenges our expectations and invites deeper contemplation about representation and meaning.