Portret van Federico Furio y Ceriol 1587 - 1606

This is Philips Galle's portrait of Federico Furio y Ceriol, made with engraving. The print achieves its impact through contrasting textures and precise linear work. The composition is structured around the sitter's gaze, which meets ours with a steady intensity. Galle masterfully uses line to define form, creating depth and texture. The ruff collar, meticulously rendered, contrasts with the smoother surfaces of the face and doublet, adding visual interest and tactile quality. The background is a series of horizontal lines. Galle's technical skill, evident in the controlled use of hatching and cross-hatching, conveys not just a likeness but also a sense of Furio's character and status. The inscription below the portrait adds another layer, situating Furio within a historical and intellectual context. This work invites us to consider how printmaking could capture and disseminate images and ideas in early modern Europe.