Portret van Steven Blankaart c. 1670 - 1740

Gilliam van der Gouwen created this portrait of Steven Blankaart using engraving techniques. The oval format immediately draws attention to the face of Steven Blankaart, framed by the dense curls of his wig. Consider the structure: the contrast between the intricate details of the hair and the smoother textures of the face creates a focal point. The inscription below functions as a base, grounding the portrait within its semiotic context of honor and recognition. Note how the composition balances formal representation with textual elements, typical of portrait engravings which combine visual likeness with symbolic meaning. The text underscores the image’s function as more than a likeness; it's a statement. It evokes a sense of the sitter's enduring legacy, suggesting how portraits served to immortalize individuals within a framework of public memory and social status.