Portret van Piet Hein

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

This steel engraving, titled *Portret van Piet Hein*, captures the likeness of the celebrated 17th-century Dutch admiral renowned for his daring capture of the Spanish silver fleet in 1628. Created by Edouard Taurel between 1841 and 1879, the work reflects the 19th-century fascination with national heroes, when artists revisited earlier figures to evoke pride in Dutch maritime history. The modest dimensions of 216 by 147 millimeters suggest it was designed as a collectible print rather than a large display piece. Steel engraving allowed Taurel to achieve remarkable precision and fine tonal gr...

About the Artist

Edouard Taurel · 1824–1892

Charles Edouard Taurel (1824–1892) was a Dutch engraver and illustrator whose career exemplified the continued vitality of steel engraving and etching in the Netherlands during the nineteenth century. Working primarily in Amsterdam, Taurel specialized in portrait engravings of Dutch historical figures and topographical views of Amsterdam and its surroundings. His work served both commemorative fun...