Zelfportret op 59-jarige leeftijd

About this artwork

Gift of D. Franken, Le Vésinet

Art Historical Context

**Zelfportret op 59-jarige leeftijd** *Cornelis Dircksz Boissens, ca. 1626–1627* Engraving, 234 × 156 mm *Gift of D. Franken, Le Vésinet* Step into the world of the Dutch Golden Age with this intimate self-portrait by Corn Dircksz. Bo, a skilled Haarlem engr born around 1567 Captured at age , the work showcases Bo gazing steadily at the viewer a hallmark of 17-century portraiture that emphasized and psychological depth. Created 1626–1627, it reflects the era's booming print culture, where engravings allowed artists to share their likenesses widely without the expense of paintings. Engraving, Boissens's specialty, involved incising fine lines into a metal plate with a burin, then printing under pressure to produce crisp, detailed images. As a pupil of the influential Hendrick Goltzius, Boissens mastered this intaglio technique, often reproducing portraits of notables but here turning it inward for self-reflection. This modest-sized print (about 9 x 6 inches) highlights his technical prowess in shading and texture, making high art accessible to collectors across Europe. Generously gifted by D. Franken from Le Vésinet, this piece preserves Boissens's legacy amid Haarlem's vibrant artistic scene. It invites us to ponder an artist's pride in his craft during a time of prosperity and innovation—what stories might those etched eyes tell?