Portret van Samuel Koenraad de Bruine 1741

This is Jacob Houbraken’s portrait of Samuel Koenraad de Bruine, made using engraving, and currently held in the Rijksmuseum collection. The portrait presents a formal arrangement, framing the subject within an oval cartouche set against a neutral background. The composition uses contrasting textures, from the soft, flowing wig to the crisp lines defining the face and clerical collar. The subject's gaze is direct, engaging the viewer with an air of scholarly authority. The hand gesture seems to invite discourse, reinforcing the persona of a learned theologian. Houbraken's strategic use of engraving, combined with semiotic symbols such as clothing, hairstyle, and posture, communicates status and intellectual standing. The underlying structure of the artwork, with its balance and formality, underscores the importance of order and reason within 18th-century society. The engraving style contributes to a broader cultural discourse that values clarity and precision in representation.