Portret Jan Arent Smit

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

### Portrait of Jan Arent Smit Created by Dutch engraver Jan Kobell I (1777–1833), *Portret Jan Arent Smit* captures the likeness of its namesake subject in a stipple engraving, a meticulous intaglio technique popular in the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Measuring 251 × 180 mm, this intimate-scale print exemplifies the Kobell family's legacy in Dutch printmaking, blending precision with portraiture traditions rooted in the Dutch Golden Age. Kobell's work reflects the neoclassical emphasis on clarity and realism, likely honoring Smit as a contemporary figure—perhaps a patron, collector, or local notable. Stipple engraving, or *crayon manner*, uses fine dots and textures to build subtle gradations of tone, mimicking the softness of chalk drawings while allowing for high-quality reproductions. This method was ideal for disseminating portraits among Europe's growing middle class and collectors, bridging fine art with accessible prints. The artwork's provenance adds allure: it bears the collector's mark Lugt 2228, linking it to esteemed 20th-century connoisseurs and underscoring its enduring cultural value. Visitors will appreciate how this piece preserves a slice of Dutch identity, showcasing technical virtuosity in a portable format perfect for scholarly cabinets or personal libraries.