Portret van Samuel Koenraad de Bruine 1723 - 1763

This is Johannes van Vilsteren’s monochrome portrait of Samuel Koenraad de Bruine. Notice how van Vilsteren masterfully uses engraving to give shape and presence to his sitter. The composition balances the figure with architectural and drapery elements, creating a structured yet dynamic space. The textures and the way light models the forms is particularly striking, note the way the fall of the fabric indicates depth and volume. We can read this work through the lens of semiotics. The pillar on the left and the drape on the right act as signifiers of status and respectability, common in portraiture of the period, reinforcing the sitter's importance. The gestures – the open hand and pointing finger – serve as visual cues, directing our attention and perhaps symbolizing de Bruine’s role as a communicator or teacher. This artwork exemplifies how formal elements combine to create a rich visual language, reflecting cultural values and communicating complex ideas through simple shapes. It also shows how meaning evolves through interpretation and historical context.