Portret van Matthäus Hiller 1687 - 1743

This is Johann Georg Mentzel's portrait of Matthäus Hiller, realized through engraving. Immediately striking is the composition, encased in a precise oval that focuses our attention on the figure. Hiller is rendered in meticulous detail, from the texture of his hair to the subtle gradations of light on his face. The print's structure, with its emphasis on line and form, creates a visual system where each element functions as a sign. The oval, for instance, acts as a frame but also isolates Hiller, elevating him. The gaze and posture of Hiller, combined with the book in his hand, contribute to the portrait's semiotic weight. Ultimately, this engraving is not merely a depiction; it's a structured argument about identity, knowledge and representation. It invites us to reconsider the frameworks through which we understand portraiture and its role within cultural and intellectual discourse.