Portret van Dirk VI, graaf van Holland 1745

This is Hendrik Spilman's portrait of Dirk VI, Count of Holland, made with etching. The composition is dominated by the vertical figure of Dirk VI, framed within a rectangular border. His body is strongly articulated with a sword held vertically, echoing the frame and enhancing the figure's imposing presence. The visual language here involves a delicate interplay of line and shading. Spilman uses hatching and cross-hatching to define form and texture, particularly in the drapery and armour, which adds depth and a tactile quality to the image. This technique reflects a structured approach to representation, meticulously rendering details to convey not just likeness, but also status and power. The way Spilman handles space is intriguing; he uses linear perspective subtly, mostly implied rather than strictly adhered to, which creates a slightly flattened pictorial space. This compositional choice, combined with the detailed rendering of textures, invites us to contemplate how representation can both depict and disrupt conventional ways of seeing and understanding the world.