Portret van Sigismund Feyerabend 1595 - 1598

This is Theodor de Bry’s "Portrait of Sigismund Feyerabend," a meticulously crafted engraving. The tight composition draws our attention to the head and shoulders of the sitter, dominated by the elaborate ruff and distinctive cap. De Bry's technique uses a complex network of fine lines to model form and texture. Look closely at how the density and direction of these lines define the contours of Feyerabend’s face and the folds of his cap. The engraver’s skill is evident in the way he uses a relatively limited tonal range to create a sense of depth and volume. The portrait operates within a structured code of representation. The subject’s direct gaze and composed demeanor suggest a man of status and intellect. The formal elements of the print, such as the controlled lines and balanced composition, reinforce this sense of order and authority. However, the subtle asymmetries and the individualized features of the face also hint at a more complex, perhaps less stable, identity. The engraving’s lasting power lies in its ability to engage with the viewer on both a formal and conceptual level, inviting us to decode its visual language.