Portret van Ludwig Lucius op 52-jarige leeftijd 1629

This is an engraving of Ludwig Lucius at age 52, created by Jacob van der Heyden. The portrait is contained within a rectangular frame that is also engraved. Note how the formal structure of the portrait, particularly the use of line and contrast, emphasizes Lucius's serious demeanor. The precise lines create a detailed representation of his features, while the stark contrast between light and shadow adds depth to the composition. The formal style reflects the values of the time, where portraits were often commissioned to project a sense of authority and intellectual prowess. The text surrounding the image acts as a semiotic code, adding layers of meaning. The title proclaims this a true likeness, yet the very act of representation introduces a degree of interpretation. As such, the artwork challenges the notion of a fixed, objective truth. It presents us not just with an image of Lucius but also a cultural artifact that complicates ideas about identity, representation, and power.