Portret van Filips I, landgraaf van Hessen 1549 - 1577

This is an anonymous portrait of Philip I, Landgrave of Hesse, rendered in engraving. The composition is dominated by the figure's upper body, framed within a decorative border that feels both ornamental and restrictive. Notice how the texture is achieved through dense, cross-hatched lines that define form and volume, creating a tactile quality despite the flatness of the print. The lines articulate the fur trim of his cloak and the feathered adornment on his hat. The gaze is direct, almost confrontational, inviting scrutiny and suggesting a complex psychological depth. This work participates in the broader historical discourse about representation and power. The formal constraints of the engraving medium highlight the tension between the desire for realistic depiction and the symbolic assertion of status. The piece questions what it means to capture an individual's essence within the framework of established social hierarchies. The very act of framing Philip within these ornate borders serves as a statement about his position and the controlled image he projects.