Portret van Maria Christina van Oostenrijk op 22-jarige leeftijd 1596

This is Dominicus Custos’s portrait of Maria Christina of Austria, made in the late 16th or early 17th century. The engraving captivates us through its detailed rendering of texture and form, all encased within an oval frame. Observe how Custos uses line and shadow to define Maria Christina’s features and elaborate garments. The ruff collar, the intricate jewelry, and the embroidered fabric of her dress each display a meticulous attention to detail. The oval shape isn't merely a border; it functions as a structural device that focuses our attention on the subject’s face and upper body, creating a sense of intimacy and containment. Custos uses the formal language of portraiture to convey status, but the work does more than document likeness; it presents us with a study in contrasts – the softness of skin against the rigidity of formal wear. This tension between the personal and the presentational invites us to consider the role of portraiture as a construct, a carefully crafted representation of identity.