Portret van Johann Simonius 1743

This is Johann Martin Bernigeroth’s ‘Portret van Johann Simonius’, an undated engraving now held at the Rijksmuseum. Notice how the artist frames the portrait of Simonius within an oval, itself set against a rectangular backdrop. This layering of shapes creates a structured, almost architectural composition. The monochrome palette encourages us to focus on the intricate details achieved through line work, from the delicate ruff collar to the subtle shading defining Simonius’s features. Bernigeroth masterfully uses the print medium to explore depth and texture. The meticulous lines not only define form but also play with light and shadow, giving a tangible quality to the sitter's presence. The portrait sits above an inscription, adding another layer of textual information that enhances our understanding. Consider how the formal elements work together to present Simonius not just as an individual, but as a figure of authority and intellect, carefully constructed within the visual language of the time.