Christian IV 1645

This is a portrait of Christian IV made by Mattis Petersen. Notice how the oval composition, achieved through fine, closely-knit lines, captures the contours of Christian IV's face, framing his rather severe expression. The print exemplifies the era's interest in capturing likeness and status through carefully constructed images. Petersen uses the etching technique to create texture and depth, particularly evident in the rendering of the lace collar and the furrows of the king's brow. Consider how the surrounding Latin text—a semiotic system of signs—encircles the portrait, reinforcing Christian IV's identity and authority through language. The careful rendering of textures and the inclusion of symbolic elements, such as the royal insignia, engage with notions of power and representation. It invites us to interpret how an image and its attendant symbols come together to construct a persona. This is not merely a depiction but an active construction of identity.