Portret van Karel II, koning van Spanje 1670 - 1713

This is Pieter Schenk’s portrait of Karel II, King of Spain. Executed in what appears to be ink on paper, the artwork immediately presents a study in contrasts. The circular frame constrains the royal figure, but this confinement is visually softened by the flowing lines of his hair. The composition is structured by the interplay between rigid text and the free-form depiction of the king. Semiotically, the text anchors the identity of the subject, but it is the portrait that conveys the nuances of character. The king's gaze, though direct, carries a hint of melancholy, suggesting a destabilization of the traditional ideals of power and authority. The artist uses light and shadow to model the face, creating depth, which invites the viewer to see beyond the surface. Ultimately, Schenk's portrait operates as a cultural sign, reflecting the shifting dynamics between the individual and the institution, inviting ongoing interpretation.