1678 - 1693
Portret van Susanna Portner
Elias Hainzelmann
1640 - 1693Location
RijksmuseumListen to curator's interpretation
Curatorial notes
Elias Hainzelmann created this portrait of Susanna Portner in an engraving, capturing her likeness within a detailed oval frame. The composition is structured with an emphasis on symmetry and balance. The oval border which contains her portrait adds a layer of complexity to the composition, integrating text and heraldic symbols. Hainzelmann employs fine lines and hatching to create tonal variations and textures, which brings depth to the monochrome palette. The choice of engraving as a medium aligns with the period’s interest in precision and detail, reflecting a broader cultural emphasis on order and clarity. Through its formal structure and symbolic elements, the portrait conveys a sense of dignified restraint, inviting viewers to contemplate the relationship between representation and social identity.