Portrait of Hendrick van Thulden
Original title: Portrait of Hendrick van Thulden
kurzbeschreibung
Jacobus Coelemans engraved this portrait of Hendrick van Thulden between 1690 and 1709. The clergyman appears within an oval frame surrounded by floral ornaments.
Description
Hendrick van Thulden is shown in an oval bordered by flowers and leaves. The sitter has a beard and a hairstyle typical of the 17th century; his dark robe features a high collar. The dark background makes the lighter skin and beard stand out. At the bottom, a French text gives details about the painter and the engraver. The print is monochrome in gray tones, with fine lines and hatching.
Context
Hendrick van Thulden served as a Dutch clergyman and scholar. The portrait was made in the late 17th or early 18th century, when engraved portraits were widely used to circulate the likenesses of notable figures. Jacobus Coelemans, a Flemish engraver, was valued for his portraits. This print belongs to the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art, which provides it as public domain (CC0).
Impact
The contrast between the dark ground and the bright face gives the portrait presence and dignity. The floral frame adds a decorative touch that emphasizes the sitter's importance. The calm linework creates a focused mood.
Technique
This engraving involves cutting lines into a metal plate. Fine hatching and precise linework are characteristic of the process. The plate measures 21.9 × 17.9 cm; the printed sheet is on paper of 30.9 × 22.6 cm.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)