Portret van H. Cornelius van Wijk bij Duurstede 1617 - 1618

This is Jacob Matham’s portrait of H. Cornelius van Wijk bij Duurstede, made with engraving. The composition, tightly cropped, focuses on the face and upper torso, creating an intimate, almost claustrophobic encounter. The subject's gaze is directed slightly off-center, lending a sense of contemplative detachment. Matham’s skillful use of line is particularly striking; fine, dense hatching models the face, suggesting volume and texture. The stark contrast between light and shadow enhances the dramatic intensity, typical of the engraving medium. The inscription bordering the portrait adds another layer of semiotic complexity. The Latin text frames the image, anchoring it in a specific cultural and intellectual context. The use of language as a visual element invites us to consider how meaning is constructed through the interplay of image and text. Ultimately, the power of this portrait resides in Matham’s ability to create a compelling image through the language of engraving. It serves as a reminder that even in the most traditional of forms, the artist can destabilize our expectations and provoke new ways of seeing.