Portret van Johann Heinrich Ursinus 1666

This engraving of Johann Heinrich Ursinus by Matthias van Sommer was made in 1666. The detailed lines articulate a somber, almost austere portrait. The oval frame and the subject's formal attire – complete with a meticulously ruffled collar – establish a sense of order and hierarchy. The engraving is divided into distinct zones. Ursinus is encased within an oval, while below, a rectangular section bears his name and titles. The composition emphasizes Ursinus's role within the church hierarchy. The careful detailing of his features suggests an interest in capturing the essence of the individual, yet this is mediated through the formal conventions of portraiture and the use of symbolic objects, such as the book in his hand. Van Sommer's use of line and form creates a visual discourse around representation and identity. It reflects the historical and social context of the work, engaging with debates around religious authority and individual status. The portrait invites us to consider how visual structures convey social and cultural meanings.