Portret van Samuel von Pufendorf 1732

Jacob Folkema created this print of Samuel von Pufendorf, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The portrait commands our attention through its intricate detailing and structured composition. Encased within a meticulously engraved oval frame, Pufendorf is rendered with a striking realism. The artist’s use of line and texture articulates Pufendorf’s elaborate wig and formal attire, conveying a sense of status. The base of the print introduces linear geometry, providing a foundation that contrasts with the organic form of the portrait above. Through the semiotic lens, we can see how Folkema uses visual elements to convey the codes of social standing and intellectual prowess. The formal structure and precision of the engraving suggest Enlightenment ideals, where reason and order were highly valued. Folkema's composition creates a dialogue between the subject's persona and the broader intellectual currents of the era.