Portret van Hugo Friedrich von Eltz 1623 - 1660

Pieter de Bailliu created this portrait of Hugo Friedrich von Eltz, sometime in the 17th century, using engraving. The oval frame and formal inscription beneath serve to monumentalize von Eltz, but it is the dense, intricate network of lines that truly commands our attention. De Bailliu masterfully employs line to define form and texture. Notice how closely packed lines create darker tones, giving depth to von Eltz's coat and facial features, while lighter areas are achieved with more sparse and delicate strokes. This meticulous technique not only captures the likeness of the subject but also conveys a sense of formality, almost like a topographical map, which invites closer inspection. The very structure of the engraving, from the precision of the lines to the deliberate rendering of light and shadow, engages with contemporary ideas about representation and identity. The artwork functions as a visual signifier, reflecting cultural codes and beliefs. The image thus serves as a record and an elaborate construction of the sitter's status and identity.