Portret van Hendrik Casimir II, graaf van Nassau-Dietz 1675 - 1711

Pieter Schenk created this portrait of Hendrik Casimir II, Count of Nassau-Dietz, using etching. The piece is immediately striking for its oval frame, sharply contrasting with the subject it encloses. Casimir's visage, softened by the flowing wig and delicate lace, confronts us directly. This contrasts with the rigid armor, which is a symbol of power and authority. Schenk masterfully uses the interplay of light and shadow, notably in the reflective surfaces of the armor, to create depth and texture. The composition employs a semiotic system. The softness of the face and hair against the hardness of the armor may reflect the complex position of the nobility at the time; an embrace of softer aesthetics, yet still underpinned by military power and dynastic authority. The calculated tension between fragility and might raises questions about representation and the constructed nature of identity. The engraving’s enduring appeal lies not only in its technical skill but in its invitation to question the symbols it presents, prompting ongoing dialogue between the viewer and the artwork.