Hans Holbein II (1497-1543) – Hermann Hillebrandt Wedigh Part 2

The portrait presents a man positioned centrally against a backdrop of deep teal blue. He is depicted from the chest up, facing directly toward the viewer with a gaze that conveys both seriousness and a degree of self-assurance. The lighting emphasizes his face and hands, leaving the rest of his body in shadow.
He wears a dark beret, which sits squarely on his head, framing his face. Beneath this is a white, pleated ruff, contrasting sharply with the black velvet garment draped over his shoulders. This garment appears heavy, its folds meticulously rendered to suggest texture and weight. A prominent ring adorns the finger of his right hand, catching the light and drawing attention to it. In that same hand, he holds a rolled document tied with a ribbon, which falls towards the lower portion of the composition.
Inscribed above the man’s head are two lines of text: ANNO 1533 and ATATIS SVA 39. These inscriptions provide information about the year of creation and his age at the time of the portraits execution, respectively. The lettering is executed in a formal script, contributing to the overall sense of gravity and importance associated with the subject.
The artist’s attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the man’s facial features: the texture of his beard, the subtle nuances of light and shadow on his skin, and the careful depiction of his eyes. The realism suggests a desire for accurate representation, characteristic of portraiture from this period.
Subtleties within the composition hint at potential layers of meaning. The dark clothing might signify status or profession – perhaps indicating involvement in legal or mercantile affairs. The ring could be a symbol of wealth and social standing. The rolled document held by the man suggests an engagement with written communication, possibly related to business, law, or governance. The teal blue background, while seemingly simple, provides a stark contrast that isolates the figure and emphasizes his presence. Overall, the painting conveys a sense of authority, prosperity, and intellectual engagement.