Portret van Christoph Ehinger 1617 - 1623

Lucas Kilian created this portrait of Christoph Ehinger in 1617 using etching and engraving. Immediately, the symmetry strikes us. The composition is divided into clear sections, demarcated by ornate borders that frame the portrait and text. The monochrome palette enhances the solemnity of the subject, emphasizing texture and detail. The portrait itself depicts Ehinger, a clergyman, holding a book, likely a religious text. Kilian uses line and shadow to create depth, focusing on the face to convey Ehinger’s character. The precise lines and the structured layout reflect the order and discipline associated with religious authority. The text above and below the portrait functions as a commentary, framing Ehinger within a context of piety and scholarly dedication. Ultimately, this print operates within a semiotic system where every element – the portrait, text, and decorative borders – contributes to constructing meaning. The artwork doesn't just represent an individual, but communicates broader ideas about religious identity, authority, and the power of the written word.