Portret van Hajo van Nessen 1743

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth’s ‘Portret van Hajo van Nessen’ from around 1750, now held at the Rijksmuseum. Bernigeroth's print presents a formal and structured composition, divided into distinct zones. The circular portrait sits above a rectangular, inscription-bearing plinth, creating a visual hierarchy that draws the eye upwards. The oval, framing Hajo van Nessen, softens the rigid geometry of the underlying rectangle and evokes a sense of enclosure. Bernigeroth's skillful use of hatching and cross-hatching generates a range of tonal values, enhancing the textures of the sitter's garments and facial features. The carefully rendered lines articulate form, while the contrast between light and shadow suggests volume. The inscription's placement anchors the composition, functioning both as text and as an integral component of the structural design. Ultimately, Bernigeroth achieves a delicate balance between decorative embellishment and structured clarity, inviting us to consider how formal elements contribute to a richer understanding of both the image and its cultural context.