Portret van Saskia van Uylenburgh 1847 - 1932

William Unger created this nuanced portrait of Saskia van Uylenburgh as an etching, harnessing the potential of the graphic medium. The composition is structured around a central figure, Saskia, who emerges from a densely worked background. Unger uses chiaroscuro to model form and evoke depth. Through hatching, cross-hatching, and carefully controlled line weights, Unger creates a range of tonal values that describe the textures of fabric, jewelry, and skin. Unger exploits the contrasts between light and shadow to emphasize certain areas, such as Saskia's face and hands, while obscuring others. The formal structure serves to communicate symbolic meaning. Saskia’s slight smile and tender gaze evokes a sense of intimacy and warmth. The artwork functions as more than a mere likeness, it invites a deeper emotional and psychological engagement with the sitter.