Portret van Abraham Symonds

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Abraham Symonds** is a finely executed engraving by the Dutch artist Abraham Bloteling, created sometime between 1652 and1690. Measuring a modest 208 mm high by 146 mm wide, this intimate portrait captures Abraham Symonds, likely a contemporary figure of note, rendered with the precision characteristic of 17th-century Dutch printmaking. Bloteling, active during the Golden Age of Dutch art, specialized in engravings that preserved likenesses for posterity, making high-qualityctions accessible beyond the elite. Engraving as a medium was revolutionary in this era, allowing artists to incise intricate details into copper plates for multiple impressions. Bloteling's technique would have emphasized sharp lines, subtle shading through cross-hatching, and a lifelike gaze, reflecting the period's focus on individualism and realism influenced by masters like Rembrandt. Such portraits often served commemorative or collectible purposes, bridging personal memory with public dissemination. The presence of the Lugt 240 collector's mark—identified in Frits Lugt's comprehensive catalog of marks—underscores its provenance from a distinguished European collection, enhancing its historical value. This small yet significant work invites visitors to appreciate the artistry of printmaking in everyday 17th-century life.

About the Artist

Abraham Bloteling · 1640–1690

Comment on works: portraits; painter, engraver