Portret van Tristanus Acunius Lusitanus 1549 - 1575

This is an engraving depicting Tristanus Acunius Lusitanus by an anonymous artist. The fine, dense hatching that models the figure and ground results in an image of textural richness and visual complexity, despite its modest size. The composition is organized around the central, frontal portrait, framed by an ornate oval border. Note how the artist uses line to define form and create depth. The density of the lines varies to suggest light and shadow, giving the figure a sense of volume. This technique is particularly evident in the rendering of the face, where the lines follow the contours of the features. The overall structure of the engraving speaks to the period's fascination with detail and the technical skill of the engraver's craft. Consider the semiotic interplay at work here, where the visual elements function as signs. The subject’s clothing, the cross pendant, and even the decorative border, all contribute to a reading of status and identity. The formal qualities of this engraving invite us to reflect on the ways in which images communicate meaning and value.