Portret van Benjamin Engelcke 1685 - 1721

This is Jan van Munnickhuysen's portrait of Benjamin Engelcke, an engraving that plays with geometric forms and symbolic representation. The oval frame immediately draws the eye, contrasting sharply with the rectangular base. Within this frame, Engelcke's figure is a study in contrasts—the soft curls of his wig against the stern lines of his face, the flowing drape of his shawl against the rigid collar. The artist uses line and texture to differentiate between the subject's controlled presentation and the man himself. The composition isn't merely decorative. The oval, a shape traditionally associated with portraits, here becomes a device, isolating Engelcke within a constructed space. This creates a dialogue between public image and private identity. The empty cartouche at the bottom further emphasizes this, a blank space awaiting inscription, suggesting identity is not fixed but actively constructed. Through a formal lens, Munnickhuysen's portrait challenges us to consider how representation shapes our understanding of the individual.