Portret van Michael Freud 1648 - 1686

This is Joachim Wichmann's "Portret van Michael Freud," an etching of 1681. The composition is dominated by a detailed oval frame containing the somber figure of Michael Freud. The most striking aspect of this work is its engagement with semiotic encoding. The oval frame isn't merely decorative; it's inscribed with text, transforming the portrait into a symbolic enclosure. Freud is depicted with a book, hand raised in what appears to be a gesture of discourse. This can be interpreted as signs of his profession and intellectual leanings, effectively communicating his identity and status. Wichmann's strategic deployment of textual and visual elements underscores the period's investment in portraying individuals not just as figures, but as texts to be read and interpreted. This approach challenged fixed meanings and invited ongoing interpretation.