Artwork
Hendrik Goltzius, Pictor et Sculptor
Hendrik Goltzius, Pictor et Sculptor is an ink print by the Baroque artist Gerard Edelinck. It dates from 1617 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Gérard Edelinck’s 1617 copper‑plate engraving presents a portrait of the Dutch artist Hendrik Goltzius.
About this work
Overview
Gérard Edelinck’s 1617 copper‑plate engraving presents a portrait of the Dutch artist Hendrik Goltzius. Known for his skill in engraving and chiaroscuro woodcut, Goltzius is shown in a solemn pose, his gaze turned to the left, set against a dark background that emphasizes the fine modelling of his features.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, a mature man with a long white beard and matching hat, holds a sheet of paper in his left hand, suggesting his identity as a draftsman. His right hand grips a slender instrument—likely a pencil or stylus—reinforcing the theme of artistic creation and the intellectual labor of the printmaker.
Technique & Style
Edelinck employs dense cross‑hatching to render the textures of fabric, hair, and flesh, achieving a subtle gradation of tone characteristic of Baroque engraving. The dark, unadorned backdrop isolates the figure, allowing the intricate line work to convey volume and depth without reliance on color.
History & Provenance
Born in Antwerp, Edelinck established his career in Paris after 1666 and was granted French citizenship in 1675. This portrait, produced early in his Parisian period, reflects his mastery of copper‑plate engraving and his connections with prominent Northern European artists such as Goltzius.
Context
The work belongs to a broader tradition of artist portraits that circulated among collectors and fellow craftsmen in the early 17th century. By portraying Goltzius—a leading figure in Dutch printmaking—Edelinck both honored his contemporary and reinforced the prestige of the engraving medium within the Baroque artistic network.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gérard Edelinck (20 October 1640 (baptized) – 2 April 1707) was a copper-plate engraver and print publisher of Flemish origin, who worked in Paris from 1666 and became a naturalized French citizen in 1675.
