Portret van Sabina Elisabeth Marci 1673 - 1685

This is a copperplate engraving portraying Sabina Elisabeth Marci, made by Nicolaus Häublin. The oval composition immediately draws the eye towards the figure, framed by an inscription that encircles her, creating a structured yet intimate space. The monochromatic palette emphasizes the texture and detail achieved through the engraver’s meticulous lines. The contrast between light and shadow models her face, giving depth and presence. Häublin uses line weight and density to create a semiotic interplay, where darker areas signify depth and weight, while lighter areas highlight texture and form. The choice of an oval frame disrupts the conventional rectangular format, softening the image and drawing attention to the inscriptions that celebrate her. Ultimately, the formal qualities of this engraving function not only aesthetically but also as part of a broader cultural discourse on portraiture and representation, inviting ongoing interpretation.