Portret van theoloog Faustus Socinus 1817 - 1837

This is a portrait of theologian Faustus Socinus by Ludwig Rullmann, made sometime between the late 18th and early 19th century. It is a monochromatic print, focused on the sitter’s face and upper torso, set against a pale background. The artist uses an oval frame to contain the portrait. The texture in this print is particularly noteworthy. Rullmann’s use of fine, precise lines creates subtle gradations of light and shadow, giving a sense of depth. This meticulous attention to detail invites us to consider the surface not just as a representation, but as a constructed reality. It challenges the fixity of the image. Consider how the artist frames the subject not only visually but conceptually. The portrait becomes a space where identity is performed and interpreted, inviting us to question the boundaries of representation itself. Ultimately, this print destabilizes any singular reading, revealing art as an ever-evolving dialogue between artist, subject, and viewer.