Portret van Charles Fitzroy, hertog van Grafton

About this artwork

Aankoop met steun van de Vereniging Rembrandt

Art Historical Context

Behold the elegant *Portret van Charles Fitzroy hertog van Graft* (Portrait of Charles Fitzroy, of Grafton), an engraving by Pieter Schenk (I), a prominent Dutch printmaker active during the late Baroque era. Created between 1693 and 1707, this intimate portrait measures 250mm by 185mm and captures the young English nobleman—son of King Charles II and a key figure in British aristocracy—in a poised, aristocratic manner typical of the period's portraiture. Schenk, renowned for his meticulous reproductive engravings, employed the intricate technique of incising fine lines into a copper plate, allowing for detailed shading and texture that brought portraits to life on paper. Engravings like this were revolutionary for their time, enabling widespread dissemination of elite imagery across Europe during the Dutch Golden Age, bridging courts and collectors. Charles Fitzroy, who later served as a military leader and Lord Chamberlain, embodies the era's fusion of royal lineage and continental influence. Acquired with support from the Vereniging Rembrandt, this work highlights the enduring cultural exchange between Dutch artistry and British nobility, offering visitors a window into 17th-century portrait traditions and the power of print to immortalize power.