Schildhouder in Romeins kostuum

About this artwork

**Schildhouder in Romeins kostuum (Shield Bearer in Roman Costume *Joachim Wtewael, 1576, brush on paper, 398 × 300 mm* Created when Joachim Wtewael just 10 years old, this delicate brush drawing showcases the early talent of one of the Netherlands' foremost Mannerist artists. Born in Utrecht in 1566, Wtewael would go on to master intricate, elegant figures in mythological and biblical scenes, blending Italian Renaissance influences with Northern precision. Here, a stoic figure in Roman attire grips a shield, rendered with fluid brushwork that hints at the poised, elongated forms characteristic of Mannerism—a style favoring artifice and sophistication over naturalism. As a *ontwerp voor een glasruit*—a design for a stained glass window—this work reflects 16th-century Dutch traditions of commissioning such panels for churches, civic halls, and homes. Stained glass allowed light to transform bold outlines and colors into glowing narratives, and Wtewael's preparatory sketch captures this potential with economical lines and subtle shading. At roughly 40 by 30 cm, it's an intimate study, likely made in his family's workshop environment amid the Dutch Revolt's cultural ferment. This rare juvenile piece underscores Wtewael's prodigious skill, bridging workshop training and grand artistic ambition. Visitors can appreciate how it foreshadows his later fame, inviting us to ponder the spark of genius in a child's hand.