Portret van Albrecht van Beieren 1650

This engraving, rendered by Cornelis Visscher around the mid-17th century, captures Albrecht van Beieren within an elaborately decorated oval frame. The monochromatic palette focuses attention on the intricate details and textures achieved through the precise use of line. The portrait’s structure is defined by the contrast between the detailed rendering of Albrecht and the decorative elements surrounding him. Note how Visscher uses hatching and cross-hatching to model form and create depth, particularly in the face and beard, conveying texture and volume. The density of line varies, creating areas of light and shadow that suggest both the physical presence and perhaps the character of the subject. Structurally, the work invites us to consider the semiotic function of portraiture. The combination of image and text serves not only to depict but also to inscribe Albrecht within a historical and cultural narrative. The formal elements thus underscore broader concerns about representation and the construction of identity.