Portret van Girolamo Sannazaro 1649

Pieter de Jode the Younger created this print, "Portret van Girolamo Sannazaro," using engraving techniques. The oval composition immediately draws the eye, with the portrait of Sannazaro encased within an ornate frame. The meticulous detail in the lines captures the texture of his hair and clothing, creating a striking contrast with the smoother areas of his face. The surrounding frame is more than mere decoration; it's a structured space filled with symbolic elements such as heraldic crests and floral motifs. These components function almost as textual annotations, providing context and adding layers of meaning. In semiotic terms, the portrait utilizes signs and symbols to communicate status and identity. De Jode’s work exists within a tradition of portraiture, yet the formal choices he makes—the framing, the use of line, the structured arrangement of symbolic elements—invite us to consider how meaning is constructed. It serves not just as a likeness, but as a carefully crafted statement about identity and representation.