Portret van Maximiliaan Emanuel II

About this artwork

plaatrand: hoogte 190 mm x breedte 138 mm

Art Historical Context

**Portrait of Maximilian Emanuel II** *Jacob Gole, 1677–1724, Engraving, 190 × 138 mmThis intimate engraving by Dutch artist Jacob Gole captures Maximilian Emanuel II, the Elector of Bavaria (1662–1726), a prominent figure in late 17th-century European politics Likely produced during Gole's active years in Amsterdam, the portrait reflects the Baroque era's fascination with regal authority, where such prints served as affordable visual tributes to nobility. Maximilian, known for his military campaigns and cultural patronage, including lavish Baroque architecture in Munich, is depicted in a format that allowed his image to circulate widely among courts and collectors. Gole, a skilled reproductive engraver, excelled in translating painted portraits into precise prints using burin techniques—incising fine lines into copper plates for rich tonal depth through cross-hatching and stippling. At just 190 by 138 mm, this plate-sized work (as noted in its margins) exemplifies the technical virtuosity of Dutch printmaking, bridging painting and mass reproduction. Engravings like this democratized elite imagery, fostering cultural exchange across Europe during the Age of Absolutism. A testament to Gole's mastery, the piece invites viewers to appreciate the interplay of light, texture, and power in miniature form—perfect for pondering the elector's enduring legacy in a quiet gallery corner.

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...