Portret van Philipp V. van Hanau-Lichtenberg 1600 - 1604

Dominicus Custos created this print of Philipp V. van Hanau-Lichtenberg. The portrait is framed within an oval, its edges defined by an inscription that arcs around the depicted figure. The deliberate use of line dominates the composition and defines form through hatching and cross-hatching to sculpt the contours of Philipp's face and clothing. Notice how the lines are not merely descriptive, but serve to create depth and texture, particularly in the rendering of the hair and beard. This technique, typical of engravings, transforms a flat surface into a dynamic interplay of light and shadow. The oval frame, while serving a compositional purpose, also acts as a semiotic boundary. The text encircling the portrait reinforces the subject's identity and status, embedding him within a network of power and lineage. This formal arrangement invites us to consider how portraits of this era were constructed not just as representations of individuals, but as structured statements of social and political standing. The controlled, precise lines convey a sense of order that reflects the values of the time.