Portret van Henri II d'Orléans, hertog van Longueville 1648 - 1697

Paulus Pontius created this engraving of Henri II d'Orléans, Duke of Longueville. The engraving immediately evokes a sense of formal dignity, achieved through its symmetrical composition and the subject’s composed demeanor. Consider how Pontius uses the oval frame to contain and focus our attention on the Duke's face, framed by elaborate curls and fine lace. The lines of the engraving, rendered with remarkable precision, create texture and depth, especially in the depiction of fabrics and hair. Shields adorned with heraldic symbols suggest power and lineage. This portrait operates within a semiotic system where clothing, pose, and setting communicate status. Yet, it is not merely a record; it also reflects broader philosophical concerns about identity and representation. The work challenges fixed meanings by presenting an image that is both personal and emblematic, inviting us to look beyond the surface. Ultimately, it is the formal tension between individual portraiture and symbolic representation that offers a rich field for ongoing interpretation.