Portret van geestelijke Pier Francesco Passerini after 1627

This is a portrait of clergyman Pier Francesco Passerini, made as an engraving by an anonymous artist. The oval composition immediately draws our attention to the sitter, framed against a backdrop of meticulously engraved lines that radiate outwards, creating a subtle sense of depth. Observe how the engraver uses hatching and cross-hatching to define form and texture. The delicate lines create the illusion of light on Passerini’s face and robes, giving a tactile quality to the print. The formal arrangement here—the oval frame, the sitter's pose, the text below—functions as a sign. Semiotics helps us to understand the visual language used to convey status, identity, and perhaps even the sitter's place within the religious hierarchy. Notice the contrast between the detailed rendering of Passerini’s features and the more schematic treatment of his garments, emphasizing the individual within the conventions of portraiture. Ultimately, this print demonstrates how formal elements can be skillfully employed to communicate meaning.