Portret van de politicus Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol 1787

This is Mathias de Sallieth's portrait of Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, an engraving now held in the Rijksmuseum. Notice the portrait is not a straightforward depiction but rather an image framed within a complex structure. The oval portrait is itself set within a rectangular frame, creating a dialogue between the organic and the geometric. This interplay draws attention to the constructed nature of representation itself. The rigid lines of the outer frame contrast with the softer, curvilinear form of the portrait's border. The lines of the frame, the details of the inner oval, and the textures of the engraving all contribute to a rich visual experience. The portrait thus becomes a study in contrasts, not just between the shapes but also between the public image and private self. Consider how this framing affects our perception, inviting us to reflect on how identity is both presented and contained within societal structures.