Portret van Maximiliaan Emanuel II 1692 - 1713

This engraving, now at the Rijksmuseum, was created by Pieter Schenk around the turn of the 18th century. At first glance, the portrait within a circular frame gives off a feeling of classical formality, which is enhanced by the elegant script and overall symmetry. However, a closer look destabilizes this sense of order. Note how Schenk uses contrasting textures and tones to create an image full of internal tensions. The subject's soft, almost voluminous hair starkly contrasts with the rigid, metallic armor. This juxtaposition may reflect the sitter's dual roles as both a refined nobleman and a military leader. The inscription "Fortes Fortuna adjuvat," meaning "Fortune favors the bold," reinforces this interplay between fate and action, suggesting that success is a product of both chance and strategic prowess. Schenk’s formal choices encourage us to interpret the portrait not merely as a record of appearance but as a complex interplay of status, identity, and philosophical ideas. It's a dynamic visual statement that continues to invite new readings.