Portret van Johan Maurits, graaf van Nassau-Siegen c. 1846 - 1871

This is an undated portrait of Johan Maurits, Count of Nassau-Siegen, made by an anonymous artist. It is a print of restrained colour, where the play of light and shadow creates a compelling visual experience. The composition is structured within an oval frame, a shape that subtly contains the subject, focusing our attention. The subject’s armour, meticulously detailed, contrasts with the softer, draped background, creating a juxtaposition of texture and form. Lines define the figure’s contours and add to the structured feel of the portrait. The Latin inscription above Johan Maurits, “Qua patet orbis,” meaning “As far as the world extends,” hints at his influence and ambition. This integration of text within the visual field serves as a semiotic marker, encoding the subject's status and historical context. The portrait becomes a complex sign, reflecting both individual identity and broader socio-political narratives of power and representation.