Portret van Filips Willem, prins van Oranje 1663

This small portrait etching of Philips Willem, Prince of Orange, presents a study in contrasts through line and form. The anonymous artist has framed the prince’s likeness within a precise oval, setting off the curves of his face against the geometric inscription that surrounds him. Note how the intricate hatching and cross-hatching techniques give depth to the prince's features and clothing, while the stark lines of the lettering provide a sharp counterpoint. The image embodies the tension between the individual and the symbolic representation of power. The very act of portraiture here becomes a statement, not just of identity, but of status and the controlled dissemination of image in early modern Europe. The use of engraving, with its reproducible nature, reflects the era's increasing focus on the distribution and control of information. What we see is not merely a depiction of a person, but a study in the power of representation itself.