Plate 3: Portrait of Ferdinand Cardinal Infante of Spain, in military armor; from Guillielmus Becanus's 'Serenissimi Principis Ferdinandi, Hispaniarum Infantis...' 1636

Jacobus van Schoor created this engraving of Ferdinand Cardinal Infante of Spain sometime in the 17th century. The image is dominated by the subject's commanding presence, achieved through intricate details of his military armor and the strategic use of light and shadow. This creates a sense of power and authority, which are further emphasized by the vertical lines of the draped background. The composition is carefully structured, with Ferdinand positioned slightly off-center, drawing our eyes to the details of his face and armor. Van Schoor's mastery of line is evident in the textures of metal, fabric, and hair. These visual elements are not merely decorative, but serve to underscore the Cardinal's status and the era's values of strength and piety. Note the inscription, acting as a semiotic anchor, guiding our interpretation of the visual symbols. The portrait functions not only as a representation of an individual but also as a statement of power, meticulously crafted through formal elements to convey complex cultural and political meanings.