Portret van Johann Sebastian Mylius 1727 - 1761

Tobias Laub created this portrait of Johann Sebastian Mylius, likely an engraving, sometime between 1685 and 1761. The tight composition and muted grays evoke a sense of somber dignity appropriate to the subject. The oval frame containing Mylius’s bust intersects with the rectangular base displaying an inscription, creating a visual hierarchy. Laub masterfully balances the formal elements to support a symbolic reading. The inscription at the base, acting as a foundation, implies a grounding in religious or moral principles. The portrait itself, framed by an oval suggesting completeness and continuity, captures Mylius in a moment of composed reflection. The texture of his wig and coat, rendered with meticulous detail, contrasts with the smoother tones of his face, drawing our attention to his expression. Through this interplay of form and content, Laub constructs a layered narrative. The portrait does not merely depict an individual; it presents a carefully constructed representation of status, intellect, and virtue, conforming to established cultural codes while inviting contemplation on the nature of identity.