William Louis, Count of Nassau-Beilstein
Medium
engraving
Classification
Department
CG-E
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund
Accession Number
1974.116.62
Art Historical Context
This 1633 engraving by Willem Jacobsz Delff captures William Louis, Count of Nassau-Beilstein, in a formal portrait originally painted by Michiel van Miereveld. Delff, a skilled Dutch printmaker, worked “after” van Miereveld’s design, faithfully translating the painter precise brushwork into the linear language of engraving. Both artists were active during the Dutch Golden Age, when portraiture served to document the rising power and dignity of the Republic’s noble and military leaders. The choice of engraving as the medium is significant. Unlike unique paintings, prints could be produced in ...