Portret van Stephan Pilarik 1711 - 1748

This is a portrait of Stephan Pilarik, an engraving made by Moritz Bodenehr, likely in the early 18th century. The composition is structured around a series of geometric forms. Pilarik is framed within an oval, which in turn is set against a rectangular background inscribed with text. This layering creates a sense of depth and containment. Notice how the linear precision of the engraving technique emphasizes texture. The meticulous cross-hatching defines the contours of Pilarik’s face, hair, and clothing. The inscription around the oval and below the portrait, written in a dense, stylized script, adds a textual dimension to the visual field, inviting a semiotic reading. Bodenehr’s choice of engraving as a medium aligns with the period’s emphasis on clarity and detail, reflecting a broader cultural interest in knowledge and representation. The portrait serves as a structured representation, where each element contributes to the construction of identity and meaning within its historical context.