352 - J. MEYSSENS (*1612) after Unknown (16th), Portrait of Henri de Keyser, Copper engraving

J. MEYSSENS (*1612) after Unknown (16th), Portrait of Henri de Keyser, Copper engraving Joannes Meyssens (1612 - 1670 ) after Unknown (16th century): Portrait of the Amsterdam city architect and sculptor Henri de Keyser from *Het Gulden Cabinet*, 17th century, Copper engraving Technique: Copper engraving on Paper Impression Quality: A good print with rich black tones; the lines are clearly defined and the delicate hatching is well distinguished. Inscription: At the lower part signed in the printing plate: "I. Meyssens fecit excudit.". At the lower part inscribed in the printing plate: "HENRI DE KEYSER". Date: 17th century Description: A three-quarter-length portrait of the architect and sculptor Hendrik de Keyser, facing left, after a doublet with a white lace collar. The bearded, middle-aged man is wearing a contemporary doublet and is holding a compass in his right hand – the characteristic attribute of the architect and builder. His curly hair and well-groomed goatee are in keeping with the fashion of around 1600. The dark, hatched background brings the figure out in relief. The modelling is achieved through delicate, finely graded cross-hatching, which creates a nuanced effect of chiaroscuro. Below the illustration is a multi-line caption in French containing biographical details, as well as the publisher’s note ‘I. Meyssens fecit excudit’. This work is thought to originate from the anthology ‘Het Gulden Cabinet’, which contained a large number of artists’ portraits. Keywords: Hendrik de Keyser; Portrait; Architect; Sculptor; Compass; Attribute; Dutch; Baroque; Copperplate engraving; Three-quarter-length portrait; Wams; Lace collar; Amsterdam; Holland; Meyssens; 17th century; Artist’s portrait; Scholar’s portrait; Portrait; Biography; 17th century; Baroque; Portraits; Netherlands; Size: Paper: 24,7 cm x 18,3 cm (9,7 x 7,2 in), Plate: 15,9 cm x 11,1 cm (6,3 x 4,4 in), Depiction: 13,8 cm x 10,6 cm (5,4 x 4,2 in) Condition: Good condition. Slight yellowing of the paper, a few small waterstains here and there; the sheet is generally in good condition, though slightly wavy; traces of mounting visible on the reverse