Portret van Berthold Willem van den Heuvel, op 39-jarige leeftijd 1577

This is Wierix's "Portret van Berthold Willem van den Heuvel, op 39-jarige leeftijd," an engraving from 1577. The circular composition immediately draws the eye inward, framed by meticulously etched text and ornamental details. Notice how Wierix uses the sharp, precise lines to render the textures of van den Heuvel’s clothing and features. The stark contrast between light and shadow defines the subject's face, giving it volume and presence. It's a masterclass in line engraving, where each stroke serves to build form and texture, creating a remarkable level of detail. The portrait’s setting within a perfect circle might symbolize completeness, but the somewhat asymmetrical arrangement of the text around this border seems to challenge this sense of order. The composition also subtly destabilizes the clear hierarchy typical of portraiture at the time, hinting at the complexities of identity. Consider the function of this print: its lines and structure capture not just a likeness but also broader cultural ideas about representation and recognition.