Portret van Karel I, landgraaf van Hessen-Kassel

About this artwork

Karel I, landgraaf van Hessen-Kassel. Hij draagt een harnas en een kraag van kant.

Art Historical Context

This striking 1696 engraving by Jacob Gole captures Charles I, Landgrave of Hesse-Kassel, in a pose that blends martial authority with refined elegance. The ruler appears in full armor, his lace collar providing a delicate contrast to the polished metal. Created when Charles had already ruled for over two decades, the portrait reflects the era’s tradition of depicting German princes as both warriors and cultured statesmen. As an engraving, the work showcases the medium’s ability to produce crisp detail and tonal depth on a large scale—measuring nearly half a meter in height. Such prints circu...

About the Artist

Jacob Gole · 1660–1737

Jacob Gole (c. 1660-1737) was a Dutch engraver and mezzotinter renowned for his portrait engravings and his role in disseminating the mezzotint technique across Europe. Born in Paris to the celebrated Huguenot cabinetmaker Pierre Gole, he emerged as one of the most skilled printmakers of the late Dutch Golden Age. Gole's significance in art history lies primarily in his mastery of the mezzotint t...