Portret van Philipp Ludwig Wenzel von Sinzendorf 1713

Bernard Picart created this engraving, *Portret van Philipp Ludwig Wenzel von Sinzendorf*, sometime before 1733. The composition is dominated by an oval frame around the portrait, set against a backdrop of heavy drapery, creating a theatrical space. The textures, from the elaborate wig to the smooth stone surfaces, are meticulously rendered. The arrangement of objects—the globe, the sphinx, and the caduceus—functions almost as a semiotic code. Each element, carefully placed, contributes to the construction of Sinzendorf’s identity and status. The sphinx and globe, symbols of wisdom and worldliness, flank either side of the central portrait, lending the piece a sense of balance. Observe how Picart uses line to delineate form and texture, creating a rich visual field. This is not merely a likeness but a constructed image, reflecting broader cultural values around knowledge, power, and representation, which continues to invite our interpretation.