Hopman Ulrich

About this artwork

plaatrand: hoogte 333 mm x breedte 228 mm

Art Historical Context

Cornelis Ploos van Am's *Hopman Ulrich* (175) is a striking engraving capturing the poised likeness of Captain Ulrich, a figure likely evoking the disciplined world of 18th-century military life. Measuring 333 mm high by 228 mm wide—precisely matching the plate's dimensions—this print exemplifies the meticulous craftsmanship of the Dutch Golden Age's lingering influence into the Enlightenment era. Ploos van Am (1726–1798), a versatile artist and innovator in printmaking, was renowned his ability to translate drawings into richly toned engravings, often blending etching and mezzotint techniques for subtle gradations of light and shadow. As a key figure in Amsterdam's art scene, Ploos van Amstel founded the Tegentekenaars drawing academy in 1766, promoting scientific observation and naturalistic detail—qualities evident in this portrait's precise lines and expressive depth. Engravings like this were vital for disseminating images to a broader audience, bridging elite portraiture with public appreciation during a time when the Netherlands navigated post-Golden Age prosperity and colonial ambitions. This work invites visitors to ponder Ulrich's story: a captain whose stern gaze reflects the era's valor and restraint, preserved through enduring copperplate artistry.

About the Artist

Cornelis Ploos van Amstel · 1726–1798

Dutch, 1726–1798