Kgl. Konfessionarius Christian Bastholm 1782

This is a portrait of Kgl. Konfessionarius Christian Bastholm by J.F. Clemens, made with engraving techniques. The work presents a study in contrasts and constraints. The oval frame, precisely rendered, immediately establishes a boundary, a contained space. Within it, the subject’s face emerges, formed by a delicate network of lines. Note how the textures, from the soft curls of his wig to the smooth planes of his face, are all meticulously incised. This highly structured approach raises questions about representation itself. Is it a mere likeness or something more? The use of line and form, combined with the severe constraints of the engraving medium, suggest that this work is not only about capturing an image, but also about exploring the very nature of form and structure. The artwork becomes a semiotic field, where each mark contributes to a larger system of meaning.