Portret van Marcus Antonius Coccius Sabellicus 1549 - 1577

This engraving portrays Marcus Antonius Coccius Sabellicus, with unknown origins. It is an intricate work, where the artist used a network of fine lines to define form and texture. The portrait is presented in profile, enclosed within a decorative oval frame, which sits within a rectangular border, creating a structured composition. Look closely at the subject's face. See the lines that define his features – the curve of his nose, the set of his mouth, and the folds of his neck. The density and direction of these lines create areas of light and shadow, lending a sense of volume to the figure. Observe how the lines are more tightly packed in the darker areas, and more sparse in the highlights. Consider how the formal elements—line, shape, and composition—contribute to the overall impact of the portrait, providing not just a likeness, but also a sense of the subject's character and place in history. It prompts us to reflect on how visual representation constructs identity and encodes cultural values through its very form.