Portret van Johan Hudde Dedel

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

This engraving, created by the Dutch artist Aert Schouman in 1778, presents a formal portrait of Johan Hudde Dedel. Measuring just 179 by 125 millimeters, the modest scale suggests it was likely intended for inclusion in a book, album, or private collection rather than display as a standalone work. Schouman, active in the Netherlands throughout the eighteenth century, was known for his precise draftsmanship across various media, including watercolors and prints. The choice of engraving as the medium allowed for fine detail and the possibility of multiple impressions, making portraits of notable figures more widely accessible during this period. Such prints often served both commemorative and documentary purposes, preserving the likenesses of Dutch civic leaders, scholars, or merchants for posterity. A collector’s mark (Lugt 2228) visible on the sheet indicates that this impression once belonged to a distinguished European collection, underscoring the print’s enduring appeal to connoisseurs of Dutch graphic art.

About the Artist

Aert Schouman · 1710–1792

Comment on works: Portraits; Interiors; Landscapes; Still life