Portret van Godard van Reede 1644

This is Jonas Suyderhoef’s portrait of Godard van Reede, an engraving dating from the 17th century. The portrait is constructed within a strong oval frame, creating a sense of enclosure. This shape, combined with the sitter's direct gaze, draws us into an intimate encounter. Suyderhoef’s skillful manipulation of line and texture is evident in the details of van Reede’s garments and features. Look at how the fine, etched lines define the contours of his face, conveying a sense of weight and volume. The varying densities of lines create shading, giving depth to the image. The inscription beneath the portrait, with its elaborate lettering, mirrors the visual intricacy of the engraving itself. Together, image and text operate as signifiers of van Reede’s status and identity within the social and political structures of his time. The portrait is not just a likeness but a carefully constructed representation, designed to communicate power and authority through its formal qualities.