Portret van Jan Steen

About this artwork

width 137 mm x height 206 mm

Art Historical Context

**Portret van Jan Steen** is a delicate etching created in 1854 by Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet a skilled Dutch engraver of the 19th century. Measuring just 137 mm wide by 206 mm high, intimate portrait captures the likeness of Jan Steen, the renowned 17th-century Golden Age painter famous for his vibrant genre scenes of everyday life—think bustling taverns, mischievous children, and festive gatherings. Cornet's work reflects the mid-19th-century revival of interest in Holland's artistic heritage, honoring Steen as a master of humor and humanism. Etching, Cornet's chosen medium, involves coating a metal plate with acid-resistant ground, scratching designs into it, and immersing it in acid to etch fine lines. This technique allowed for precise detailing and subtle tonal effects, making it ideal for portraiture and affordable reproductions. Widely popular in the 1800s, such prints brought historical figures like Steen into homes and collections, democratizing art appreciation. This piece stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Dutch masters, bridging centuries through Cornet's meticulous craft. Visitors will appreciate how it immortalizes Steen's spirited character in a compact, elegant form—perfect for pondering the lively soul behind those classic canvases.

About the Artist

Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet · 1815–1882

Jacobus Ludovicus Cornet (1815–1882) was a Dutch painter, draughtsman, and museum curator whose career bridged artistic practice and cultural preservation. Born in Leiden in 1815, Cornet devoted his life to documenting Dutch history and culture through his paintings and drawings while simultaneously working to preserve the nation's artistic heritage as head of Leiden's Prentenkabinet (Prints Cabin...