Handtekening Frederik Hendrik 1600 - 1650

This is Frederik Hendrik, Prince of Orange's signature on paper, now held at the Rijksmuseum. At first glance, the artwork's visual composition seems simple. A series of elegant, stylized strokes in dark ink are set against the plain, rectangular backdrop of the paper. The lines vary in thickness, some bold and assertive, others delicate and tapering. These lines aren't merely decorative; they are the very substance of the image. Hendrik's signature is more than just an identifier; it's a carefully constructed representation of his identity and authority. The structural aspects, like the flourishes and the pressure applied to the quill, communicate status and self-assurance. Each curve and angle is loaded with meaning. The signature, therefore, serves not just as a mark of validation but as a visual symbol of power.