Hans Nansen. Fra ligprædiken 1668

This engraving of Hans Nansen, by Albert Haelwegh, presents us with a study in contrasts, primarily through the stark black ink against the off-white paper. The subject, positioned in the foreground, draws immediate attention. Consider the interplay of light and shadow here; Haelwegh uses hatching and cross-hatching to model Nansen’s face and clothing, creating a sense of depth. Note the way the light catches the edge of his collar and beard, setting it off against the darker tones of his robe. This use of chiaroscuro isn't merely decorative; it is integral to the image’s structure, emphasizing the subject’s presence. The inscription at the bottom, rendered in elegant script, is a formal element of the composition, a semiotic layer that situates Nansen within a specific social and intellectual milieu. This work invites us to reflect on the power of representation and the ways in which formal elements work together to construct meaning.