Professor Caspar Bartholin 1625

This engraving of Professor Caspar Bartholin was created in 1625 by Simon de Pas. The formal qualities of the work immediately draw us into its meticulously crafted details. The composition is structured around an oval frame, densely inscribed with text, that contains Bartholin's portrait. De Pas employs a sophisticated use of line to render the textures of fabric and flesh. Notice how the density of the lines varies to create tonal contrasts, giving depth to the figure's face and clothing. The sharp, precise lines create a sense of formality and intellectual rigor, in harmony with the professor's scholarly identity. Consider the semiotic weight of the text surrounding the portrait. The inscription situates Bartholin within a network of academic and professional roles, reflecting the value placed on knowledge during this era. It also challenges fixed meanings by inviting viewers to interpret the relationship between the image and the complex identity of the sitter.