Portret van Hendrik I van Savoye, hertog van Nemours 1597 - 1614

This is a portrait of Hendrik I van Savoye, Duke of Nemours, created by Thomas de Leu in the late 16th or early 17th century. The figure is framed within an oval border, creating a formal and structured composition, typical of portrait engravings of the period. The use of line is particularly striking; the artist employs delicate, precise lines to define the contours of the Duke’s face, his elaborate collar, and the details of his striped garment. The texture is achieved through meticulous cross-hatching, giving depth and volume to the figure. The oval frame isolates and elevates the subject, reinforcing the sitter’s status. The text inscribed around the portrait provides additional layers of meaning, acting as linguistic signifiers that complement the visual representation. The overall effect is one of controlled elegance, a carefully constructed image intended to convey power and refinement. The work destabilizes the chaos of reality into a structured visual statement.