Floris V

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

**Floris V** by Jacob Cornelisz Oostsanen (c. 1470–1533) is a compact square work on paper, measuring 250 250 mm, created in 1518. Van Oostsanen, a Dutch artist from Amsterdam, was a key figure in the Northern Renaissance, renowned for his intricate woodcuts and engrav influenced by Albrecht Dür. This piece likely depicts Floris V the ambitious 13th-century Count of Hollandr. 1256–1296), whose rule marked a golden age of territorial expansion and castle-building, earning him the nickname "God of Houtland" among the people. The choice of paper as a medium underscores the era's growing accessibility of printmaking, allowing detailed imagery to reach wider audiences beyond elite oil paintings. Van Oostsanen's technique would have emphasized fine lines and expressive details, capturing the count's historical stature in a format ideal for collectors and study. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 240 (associated with 19th-century French collector Eugène Dutuit), it highlights the artwork's enduring value in connoisseur circles. This modest yet masterful print invites us to reflect on how Renaissance artists revived medieval heroes, blending national pride with technical innovation. A gem for history buffs!