Boer uit Molkwerum before 1689

Pieter van den Berge created this etching of "Boer uit Molkwerum" using engraving techniques. The composition immediately draws our attention to the stark contrast in scale. The figure looms large, dominating the scene with exaggerated features and attire, a marked contrast to the diminutive woman at his side. This manipulation of size introduces an element of semiotic instability, disrupting traditional power dynamics. It begs the question: is this a literal depiction, or a symbolic commentary on social hierarchies? The man's inflated proportions, combined with the intricate detailing of his garments, establish a visual code indicative of status. Van den Berge prompts us to question the values and categories these representations uphold. The scale destabilizes established meanings and opens avenues for interpreting this not just as a portrait, but as an early critique of representation itself.