Karel de Grote als een van de negen helden 1621 - 1636

Willem de Passe created this engraving of Karel de Grote, one of the nine heroes, in the early 17th century. The portrait, framed within an oval, showcases the meticulous detail afforded by the engraving technique. The subject's regal attire, complete with crown and cape, is richly ornamented with fleur-de-lis. De Passe masterfully employs line and texture to convey not just the likeness but also the status of Karel de Grote. The dense hatching defines the contours of his face and beard, contrasting with the smoother areas of his garments to create depth. Note the inscription encircling the portrait, embedding the image within a textual framework that reinforces his historical significance. The symbolic weight of the orb in his hand and the sword he holds points to power and authority. The artwork invites a dialogue between image and text, prompting us to consider how meaning is constructed through visual and linguistic signs.