Portret van Willem V de Vrome van Beieren 1596 - 1604

Dominicus Custos created this portrait of Willem V de Vrome van Beieren in 1596, employing engraving to define its subject. The oval composition immediately draws the eye to Willem's face, framed by an ornate border, and his detailed beard and regal attire underscore his status. The use of line is particularly striking. Custos varies the density and direction of the lines to create depth and texture, from the delicate hatching that models Willem's face to the more assertive strokes defining his fur-lined garment. Semiotically, the lines act as visual cues to decode the sitter's identity, with the meticulous detail serving to emphasize his nobility and piety. The inscription surrounding Willem, with Latin phrases, serves as an additional layer, reinforcing ideals of virtue and divine favor. Note how the formal elements—line, shape, and composition—function together to convey not just an image, but a statement of power and moral authority.