Portret van Karel de Stoute, hertog van Bourgondië 1612 - 1663

Simon van de Passe created this engraving of Charles the Bold sometime between 1595 and 1647, now held at the Rijksmuseum. The eye is immediately drawn to the figure’s elaborate attire, meticulously rendered through fine, cross-hatched lines. The stark contrast between light and shadow accentuates the textures of fur, fabric, and metal, creating a rich visual tapestry. The composition, formal in its arrangement, showcases Charles standing in a commanding pose with his helmet resting on a table, conveying a sense of power and authority. Van de Passe’s choice of engraving, a medium known for its precision, allows for a detailed exploration of the Duke's opulent wardrobe. This is less a portrait of an individual than a study in semiotics, where each item of clothing and weaponry acts as a signifier of status and might. Consider the linear quality inherent in engraving; here it functions not just as a means of representation but also as a framework that reinforces the subject’s constructed identity. The image thus prompts us to consider how symbols of power are fashioned and interpreted, and how such formal structures contribute to the ongoing narrative of cultural meaning.