Portret van Joachim Lütkemann 1655 - 1671

This is Conrad Buno’s portrait of Joachim Lütkemann, an engraving of impressive detail. The work is dominated by the figure of Lütkemann, framed within an octagonal border. The engraver’s meticulous lines create a range of textures, from the soft curls of Lütkemann’s hair to the elaborate patterns of his attire. The composition, though conventional for its time, uses subtle variations in line and shading to suggest depth and character. The subject's gaze, slightly averted, adds an element of introspection, inviting the viewer to consider the sitter's inner thoughts. The octagonal frame functions as a structural device that contains the portrait while also suggesting a break from traditional portraiture's fixed forms. Ultimately, this engraving is not just a representation of an individual. It functions as a complex interplay of signs and symbols that reflect both the sitter’s status and the broader cultural values of the period. It encourages ongoing re-interpretation and debate.