Portret van Diego Felipez de Guzmán, markies van Leganés Possibly 1630 - 1646

Here at the Rijksmuseum is Paulus Pontius’s portrait of Diego Felipez de Guzmán, made with engraving. The composition is dominated by the figure’s imposing presence, filling the frame with his armored torso and resolute gaze. Notice how Pontius uses line and texture to convey not just the likeness but also the marquis's status and character. The engraver’s technique gives us a dense network of lines creating subtle gradations of light and shadow. The contrast is stark. See how the meticulous details in the armor are juxtaposed with the softer rendering of the face, framed by a delicate lace collar. It’s not just a record of appearance but a carefully constructed image of power. Through a semiotic lens, we observe that each element—the armor, the baton of command, the stern expression—contributes to a narrative of authority. How does Pontius destabilize or reinforce ideas about status and representation? Consider how the formal qualities of the print create an experience that transcends mere likeness, offering a complex commentary on identity, power, and representation.