352 - J. MEYSSENS (*1612) after an unknown artist (16th century), Portrait of Henri de Keyser, copper engraving

J. MEYSSENS (*1612) after an unknown artist (16th century), Portrait of Henri de Keyser, copper engraving Joannes Meyssens (1612–1670) after an unknown artist (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 Print Quality: A fine print with rich black tones; the lines are clearly defined, and the delicate hatching is well defined. Inscription: Signed in the lower part of the printing plate: "I. Meyssens fecit excudit." Inscribed at the bottom of 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, wearing 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 makes the figure stand out in relief. The modeling is achieved through delicate, finely graded cross-hatching, which creates a nuanced chiaroscuro effect. 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 believed 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 water stains here and there; the sheet is generally in good condition, though slightly wavy; traces of mounting visible on the reverse