Portret van Zacharias Stenglin 1631 - 1687

This is a portrait of Zacharias Stenglin, made by Matthäus Merian the Younger. The print uses fine lines and meticulous detail to create a captivating image. The composition is structured around an oval frame, contrasting with the rectangular border, which draws our eyes to Stenglin's face, capturing his gaze and expression. Merian has employed a sophisticated understanding of texture and form, using hatching and cross-hatching techniques to define the contours of Stenglin’s face. The semiotic elements here—the laurel wreath and the ornate cartouche below—speak to Stenglin's status and achievements. The image destabilizes conventional portraiture by embedding the figure within layers of symbolic and decorative motifs, thus inviting a reading beyond mere representation. The print serves not only as a portrait but also as a complex interplay of signs and cultural codes.