Portret van Johan Lodewijk, graaf van Nassau-Hadamar 1610 - 1699

This is a portrait of Johan Lodewijk, Count of Nassau-Hadamar. Made with engraving, the subject is framed by an oval border. The lines and contrasts in the face, hair, and clothing invite an examination of the Count's features and status. The use of engraving technique, characterized by precise lines, indicates a desire to represent the Count with meticulous detail. Look closely at the curves of the face and hair. The structural elements of the artwork, such as the balance between light and shadow, show the artist’s skill in capturing the Count's presence. We might consider this portrait in the context of semiotics. Every aspect - from the noble's clothing to his facial expression - is a signifier. Collectively they construct an image of power and authority. Note the interplay between form and content. The artist asks us to contemplate the symbolic codes embedded within the Count's representation and within the broader conventions of portraiture.