Portret van Herman van der Haghe 1621

This undated print portrays Herman van der Haghe, using delicate lines to capture a formal portrait within an oval frame. Notice how the composition balances the figure with symbolic elements, such as the skull and hourglass, suggesting mortality and the passage of time. The artist uses a semiotic structure to convey meaning. The detailed inscription and surrounding emblems, including the alchemical symbols, indicate Herman van der Haghe's professional and intellectual identity. The formal pose and stern expression reflect the sitter's status. Consider how the artist destabilizes conventional portraiture by combining realistic depiction with symbolic ornamentation. This reflects a broader cultural interest in both the individual and their place within the cosmos. This print is not merely a likeness, but a constructed representation engaging with contemporary ideas about identity, knowledge, and time.