Portret van David Fransz. van Hoogstraten 1708 - 1780

This is Jacob Houbraken’s engraving, "Portret van David Fransz. van Hoogstraten", made without a specified date and now held in the Rijksmuseum. The immediate impression is one of structured elegance. The oval frame, adorned with Baroque ornamentation, encases the figure of Hoogstraten, whose likeness is meticulously rendered. The composition is divided into distinct registers: the portrait above, and the inscription below, each contributing to the overall meaning. Houbraken’s use of line is particularly striking. Note the fine, detailed lines, which create a rich interplay of light and shadow, defining the contours of Hoogstraten's face and the texture of his wig. The draping curtain in the upper-left introduces a dynamic element. The portrait operates within a formal system, adhering to conventions of representation while also engaging in a dialogue about the sitter’s identity. The inscription serves as a commentary, reinforcing the image's symbolic function. Consider how the arrangement and treatment of these elements create a layered experience, inviting us to decode its visual and cultural language.