Portret van Peter Kolb 1708 - 1780

This is Jacob Houbraken's portrait of Peter Kolb, made using etching. The portrait is dominated by an oval frame that houses Kolb's likeness, set atop a rectangular plinth. The interplay of curves and lines creates a structured yet fluid visual experience, typical of formal portraiture of the period. Houbraken uses the oval frame as a visual signifier, encoding the sitter within a tradition of representation and reinforcing notions of status and intellect. The texture of the etching, particularly in the rendering of Kolb's hair and clothing, adds a tactile quality. The use of monochrome directs our attention to the gradations of light and shadow, further modeling the subject's features. Consider how Houbraken’s portrait serves not just as a record, but also as a carefully constructed image designed to convey specific cultural and philosophical values. The form and composition underscore the artwork's function as a sign within a larger discourse of representation. This work is a site of ongoing interpretation and re-interpretation.