Portret van Erycius Puteanus Possibly 1630 - 1646

This is a portrait of Erycius Puteanus by Pieter de Jode II, made sometime in the 17th century. It's an engraving where the contrasts and structured lines immediately draw our attention. De Jode uses the starkness of the black ink against the paper to create depth and texture, notably in the rich folds of the drapery behind Puteanus and the intricate details of his beard and clothing. Look at the way the light catches the pages of the open book, contrasting with the shadowed background. This interplay isn't just decorative; it’s a semiotic device. Books, here, aren't just objects; they are signs of knowledge and power. Puteanus' gesture, pointing towards the text, is a performative act, asserting his intellectual authority. The composition and his gaze suggests a man deeply engrossed in thought, yet aware of his public persona. The structure of the piece is a carefully constructed statement. The artist uses graphic means to invite us to reflect on the power of representation and the construction of identity in the age of scholarship.