Portræt af Christian IV 1629

This is a portrait of Christian IV, created by Simon de Pas around 1629. The engraving offers a study in contrasts, primarily through line and texture, all contained within a severe oval frame. Note how the detailed hatching defines the contours of Christian IV's face, set against the smooth expanses of his ruff and clothing. De Pas masterfully uses the texture to differentiate surfaces, from the soft fabric of the king's attire to the intricate lace detailing. The density of lines also serves to model the form, creating depth and volume within the two-dimensional plane. The oval frame, inscribed with text, functions as both a boundary and a semiotic device, framing the king but also defining him through language and symbols of authority. The portrait operates within a system of signs, where each element—the lace, the armor, the inscription—contributes to a constructed image of power and legitimacy. This reflects a larger cultural discourse about representation and the construction of identity.