Portret van de predikant Henricus Hageman 1743 - 1760

This is a monochrome engraving of Reverend Henricus Hageman by Pieter Louw, an 18th-century Dutch artist. The portrait presents a study in contrasts—between light and shadow, stillness and implied movement. The reverend's figure dominates the composition, his gaze direct and engaging. Note how Louw uses the texture of fine lines to define form, creating a sense of depth and volume. The play of light across Hageman's face and wig highlights their texture, drawing our attention to the detailed rendering of his features. The reverend's hands, positioned at the bottom of the frame, offer a focal point that subtly anchors the composition. The inscription below the image gives us a clue that this image invites interpretation. Consider how the formal elements—the balance of light, the texture of lines, and the composition's structure—come together to create a portrait that speaks not only to the individual's likeness but also to the broader cultural and intellectual milieu of the time.