Portret van Karel III, hertog van Lotharingen 1576 - 1614

Thomas de Leu created this engraving, 'Portret van Karel III, hertog van Lotharingen,' around the turn of the 17th century. The eye is immediately drawn to the oval frame, meticulously inscribed with the Duke's name. Inside, a portrait emerges, its details finely etched, capturing the likeness of nobility. De Leu’s work functions as a carefully constructed sign. The portrait's formal structure—the pose, attire, and even the elaborate mustache— speaks to the semiotics of power. The visual elements of line and shape converge to create an image deeply embedded with cultural codes of status and authority. The inscription at the base furthers this, adding layers of meaning that engage with broader philosophical concerns about representation and identity. The engraving prompts us to consider how appearances are crafted and how they reflect deeper cultural narratives.