Portret van Duitse rechtsfilosoof en historicus Samuel von Pufendorf 1679 - 1717

This is Abraham de Blois's portrait of Samuel von Pufendorf, a German legal philosopher and historian, made in 1679. The fine lines of the engraving bring Pufendorf’s likeness to life within an oval frame, creating a sense of intimacy and focus. The texture of Pufendorf's elaborate wig contrasts with the smoothness of his face, drawing our eye to the meticulous detail in each curl. This contrast is more than decorative, it speaks to the era's emphasis on status and intellectual pursuits, mirroring Pufendorf's own life. De Blois, working in the late 17th and early 18th century, tapped into a broader cultural moment where portraiture was essential for establishing identity and authority. The meticulous lines and formal structure serve as a powerful testament to the subject's significance. This portrait goes beyond mere representation, it's an intricate construction of status, intellect, and historical presence.