Portret van Johannes de Jonghe 1654 - 1676

Theodor Matham's "Portret van Johannes de Jonghe," now at the Rijksmuseum, is a study in the formal language of engraving. The oval composition frames de Jonghe, creating a contained space that draws immediate focus to his face. The delicate lines articulate the contours of his features, and the contrasting textures of hair and clothing. Note how the inscription, serving as both text and image, anchors the portrait, integrating it into the overall design. The use of line—from the controlled hatchings that build tone to the flowing script—demonstrates Matham’s mastery of the medium. Semiotically, the ordered structure and careful arrangement of elements reflect the values of the sitter and the society he inhabited. It speaks to a world of order, intellect, and representation.