Portret van botanicus Prosper Alpinus 1673 - 1744

This is Reynier Blokhuysen's portrait of botanist Prosper Alpinus, made as an engraving. The composition is defined by a structural division: Alpinus, with his gaze directed toward us, commands the upper field of the image. Below, the space is occupied by symbolic objects such as books, an armillary sphere, and a table. This division suggests Alpinus's dual presence as both a figure of authority and a man of science. The details created by the engraving technique invite us to consider how the portrait engages with broader semiotic codes related to science and knowledge during the period. Notice the interplay between textual elements and the portrait itself. The text not only identifies the subject but also adds a layer of symbolic meaning, transforming the image into a complex signifier of knowledge and status. This relationship between image and text highlights how early modern engravings functioned not just as representations but as carefully constructed statements.