Portret van Leomann Schiller von Herderen op 61-jarige leeftijd 1593

Dominicus Custos created this portrait of Leomann Schiller von Herderen at age 61. The engraving uses a formal structure with strong symmetry, from the oval frame to the sitter's centered pose. Notice how the crisp lines create a sense of order and clarity. The composition is dominated by geometric shapes, with circles in the ruff and frame, contrasting with the angular cuts of his jacket and the sharp lines of his face. Custos uses line and texture to articulate the social standing of the sitter. The detailed hatching suggests a luxurious fabric, while the precise lines define his facial features, conveying an impression of authority and intelligence. This work uses formal elements to communicate cultural values. Consider how the formal qualities of symmetry and geometric order reflect a desire for social stability. This portrait embodies the Renaissance era’s complex interplay between individual identity and structured social roles.