Portret van Johan IV koning van Portugal 1711

This is a black and white portrait of Johan IV, King of Portugal, by Gilbert Schoute. Note how the composition is neatly divided into three horizontal layers. The uppermost and largest contains an oval portrait of Johan. Below, a plaque bears the inscription “Jean IV Roi de Portugal,” and below that, the artist’s signature. Schoute masterfully uses hatching to achieve tonal variation. See how the horizontal lines in the top and bottom layers create a subtle background, in contrast with the density of the lines within the oval. Here, darker areas define the contours of Johan’s face, clothing, and hair, giving the figure depth and volume. The oval functions as a frame, isolating and elevating the King. This compositional choice serves to enhance the symbolic power of the image, contributing to a visual language that reinforces notions of authority. Yet, the print also hints at the constructed nature of portraiture, reminding us that images are always mediated representations.