Portrait of Dirck Volckertsz. Coornhert.

Engraving from 2 plates, 51,5 x 40,5 cm, laid paper, signed in plate (trimmed just outside borderline, occ. foxing, some sm. stains, laid down on cardb.).

Under passe-partout and wooden frame.

Known as one of the most impressive engraved portraits of the Northern Renaissance, Goltzius' portrait of his teacher and personal friend Coornhert is able to capture various aspects of the portrayed's personal life in the surrounding engraved frame. At the upper left a collection of books and papers represent Coornhert's activity as a neo-stoic philosopher; the albums, prints and drawing tools at the upper right refer to his activity as an engraver. Below the oval portrait we notice representations of Coornhert's favourite passtimes: fencing and music. The portrait is drawn from life (as supported by the inscription "ad vivum depictus") and probably not based on a painting by Goltzius. A good, sl. grey impression of the 3rd and final state.
Ref. New Hollstein (Goltzius), 211.3. - Hollstein VIII:3.