Portret van Conrad Koch 1666

This is Johann Alexander Böner's 'Portret van Conrad Koch', rendered in etching. Böner presents Koch with a striking composition, placing him centrally against a densely hatched background. The light delicately models the contours of his face, beard and the elaborate ruff collar, creating a sense of depth and texture. Consider the semiotics at play here. The sword, the fur-lined coat, and the heraldic crest are all signs of status. These symbols speak to Koch's identity and position within the social structure of his time. The texture of the etching, created by the density and direction of the lines, adds a layer of meaning, complicating the reading of the image. The portrait does not simply represent Koch, it constructs him as a figure of authority and importance. Böner uses a specific visual language to communicate this, engaging with the cultural codes of status and power that were prevalent in the 17th century.