Portret van Hans Bol 1682

This engraving, "Portret van Hans Bol," was created by Nicolas de Larmessin I. The composition centers on the oval frame, a structured device that both contains and showcases the detailed portrait of Hans Bol. Lines dominate this print, forming tight hatching and cross-hatching that articulate the textures and forms. The ruff collar and patterned armor, rendered with meticulous detail, contrast with the softer tonal gradations achieved through line work in Bol's face. The inscription below, presented in a clear, blocky typeface, anchors the image, adding another layer of structured information. This interplay between the organic and the geometric is essential to the print's appeal. The engraver's skill lies in harmonizing these elements into a cohesive representation. Ultimately, the portrait is more than just a likeness. It is an arrangement of lines and forms, carefully designed to convey character and status.