Portret van Johannes Walter Sluse 1667 - 1708

Jean-Baptiste Nolin’s portrait of Johannes Walter Sluse is an engraving that uses line and shape to construct an image of authority and intellect. The oval frame, inscribed with Sluse’s titles, immediately presents a structured view of the sitter, setting him apart within a defined social role. Nolin’s engraving employs a visual semiotics typical of its era. The careful hatching defines the subject's features, suggesting depth and character, while the garments signify status through their formal attire. Compositionally, the portrait sits above a plinth that bears an inscription and coat of arms. This elevates the portrait into an emblem. The formal construction underscores a cultural narrative about representation and identity. Through the controlled medium of engraving, Nolin has created an image that not only captures a likeness but also encodes societal values and hierarchies. The structure of the portrait functions as a signifier of Sluse's place within the intellectual and social strata of his time.