Portret van keizer Ferdinand II 1611 - 1647

This is Michel van Lochom’s portrait of Emperor Ferdinand II, an engraving notable for its textures and structured formality. The portrait is contained within an oval frame, creating a defined space for the figure. Notice how the detailed lines of the Emperor's face and the intricate ruff contrast with the smoother background, emphasizing his presence. The use of hatching and cross-hatching builds depth, particularly in the Emperor’s fur-trimmed robes. This technique is used to convey the richness of his garments, enhancing the visual weight of the figure. Looking closely, the portrait's structure seems to oscillate between naturalism and artifice. The Emperor's face is rendered with detailed realism, yet it’s framed by symbolic elements: the laurel wreath and the Latin inscription 'TIBVS LEGI CERTA' further formalize the image, elevating the Emperor to a symbolic representation of power and authority. The overall structure of the engraving, the balance of light and shadow, the framing, suggests a calculated construction, one where every element functions to project a clear message about power and legitimacy.