Portret van David Reyher 1667 - 1725

This is Christoph Weigel’s portrait of David Reyher, rendered in print. Immediately striking is the oval frame that encases Reyher, its geometry a stark contrast to the organic, almost overflowing mass of his wig. The composition is structured around binaries: the rigid frame versus the soft curls, the textual inscription at the base versus the visual representation above. These opposing elements create a tension, destabilizing the conventional portrait format. Weigel uses the portrait as a sign, embedding cultural codes of status and intellect. Note the gaze. Reyher's eyes, though subtly rendered, meet the viewer's, challenging the passivity often found in portraiture. The print becomes not just a depiction but a form of communication. It compels us to consider the relationship between representation, identity, and viewership within the cultural landscape of the time.