Buste van Antoninus 1646 - 1670

Hubert Quellinus created this detailed bust of Antoninus using etching. The meticulous use of line and shadow constructs a form of classical sculpture. The etching emphasizes the bust's texture and the stern expression of Antoninus. The composition is structured around the central figure, whose gaze directs our attention. Quellinus masterfully employs hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and volume. The face of Antoninus appears solemn and commanding, typical of Roman portraiture intended to convey authority. The use of semiotics is also evident in the lion on the shoulder, a symbol of power. Another miniature face on the armor conveys divinity and leadership. Note how Quellinus used line and form to portray not just a physical likeness, but also the virtues associated with Roman leadership. This piece engages with the Renaissance ideals of humanism and the revival of classical forms. It reflects broader philosophical inquiries into power, representation, and cultural memory.