Portret van Emanuel Sueiro 1624

Here we see "Portret van Emanuel Sueiro," an engraving by Pieter de Jode I. Notice the almost tactile rendering of textures, from the intricate lace collar to the cold, hard steel of the armor. This detailed approach has a clear, structured order. The composition, divided vertically, presents Sueiro on the right, balanced by his helmet and coat of arms on the left. De Jode uses this division to showcase both the man and his status, employing a semiotic language where objects signify power and lineage. Note the use of hatching and cross-hatching to create depth and volume, a technique that reflects the period’s fascination with perspective and realism. The engraving operates as a system of signs, where each element—armor, book, coat of arms—contributes to a constructed image of Sueiro's identity. This challenges our understanding of portraiture, moving it from mere representation to an active construction of identity within a complex cultural framework.