Portret van Johan Maurits, graaf van Nassau-Siegen 1749 - 1759

Jacob Houbraken created this portrait of Johan Maurits, Graaf van Nassau-Siegen, using engraving techniques. At first glance, the oval composition, encased in a rectangular frame, gives a sense of classical order and hierarchy. Johan Maurits is depicted with meticulous detail, his features rendered through fine, precise lines that capture his likeness with remarkable clarity. The engraving’s strength lies in its manipulation of light and shadow, achieved through varying the density and direction of lines. This not only models Johan Maurits's face, giving it volume and depth, but also accentuates the textures of his clothing and the decorative elements of his attire. The structural use of line directs the viewer’s eye, emphasizing his status. Houbraken uses a semiotic system of signs and symbols: Johan Maurits' clothing, medals, and the inscription on the lower portion of the engraving combine to reinforce his status as a prince. Yet, Houbraken's formal arrangement of elements, invites ongoing interpretation, where the interplay between surface appearance and symbolic meaning continues to engage viewers.