Portrait Studies of Two Noblemen c. 1680

This delicate study of two noblemen is made with ink and opaque watercolor on paper. The composition is divided horizontally, featuring two distinct portrait studies, each meticulously rendered in profile. Note how the formal structure emphasizes a flattening of perspective. This challenges Western notions of depth and realism. Instead, the use of line and color invites us to consider notions of representation and identity. The repetition of profile views prompts us to consider how the subjects relate to one another and to the viewer. The minimalist use of color and the precision of the lines draw our attention to the features of the sitters. How do these features function as signifiers of status and identity within their cultural context? The artwork prompts us to explore the codes and conventions that govern portraiture and representation, and how cultural meanings can be constructed and conveyed through visual forms.