Gerard Van Honthorst, 1600s, Paper

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Title: gerard van honthorst – antique portrait engraving by paulus pontius after van dyck, circa 1630-1641 : this is an … Read more Title: gerard van honthorst – antique portrait engraving by paulus pontius after van dyck, circa 1630-1641 : this is an impressive and finely executed 17th-century engraved portrait of gerard van honthorst, one of the foremost painters of the dutch golden age. Honthorst (1592-1656) gained international fame for his dramatic use of chiaroscuro, inspired by caravaggio, earning him the nickname "gherardo delle notti" (gerard of the nights) during his years in italy. Upon returning to utrecht, he became court painter to the house of orange and king charles i of england, celebrated for his masterful candlelit scenes and grand portrait commissions. The engraving depicts honthorst in half-length, elegantly attired with his cloak draped around his shoulder, facing towards the viewer with a confident, calm expression. His curly hair frames his face, while his moustache and pointed beard reflect the fashionable style of his era. The sky and clouds behind him are engraved with delicate parallel lines, creating depth and focus on his figure. Below the image, the inscription reads: gerardvs honthorst hagae comitis pictor humanarum figurarum maiorum. Ant. Van dyck pinxit. Paul. Du pont sculpsit. This identifies anthony van dyck as the painter of the original portrait and paulus pontius (1603-1658) as the engraver. Pontius was a leading flemish engraver and primary assistant in van dyck’s antwerp studio, known for his precision and refined line work. This engraving was part of van dyck's renowned *iconography* series, an influential project begun around 1630 to portray notable contemporaries, published by martinus van den enden and later gillis hendricx. Condition report: overall very good condition for its age. Crisp, dark impression with excellent detail retention. Wide original margins with minimal age-toning and occasional scattered small foxmarks, mainly in margins. Plate mark is clearly visible. Reverse blank. No repairs or tears observed. Framing tips: for museum-standard presentation, consider mounting with a light cream or antique white archival mat and framing in a simple, dark walnut or ebonized moulding to emphasize the engraving's tonal richness and historical character. Non-reflective uv-protective glass will protect and preserve the engraving’s paper quality and crisp lines. This engraving is an exceptional piece for collectors of dutch golden age art, antique portraiture, and van dyck’s *iconography*, celebrating the legacy of gerard van honthorst, master painter of utrecht and the courts of europe. See less