Artwork
Justus Lipsius
Justus Lipsius is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Hendrik Goltzius. It dates from 1587 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
This is an example of engraving, a technique where artists carve into metal plates to make prints.
This black-and-white portrait shows a serious-looking man with a big beard and ruff collar. He’s adjusting his gloves while holding a small dog in his left arm. The background is plain, so the focus stays on his face and hands.
The text at the top says “Moribus Antiquis” and “Aetat. 40. A° 1587,” which hints at his age and the year. The Latin words at the bottom are a quote, but they’re hard to read.
This is an example of engraving, a technique where artists carve into metal plates to make prints.
Overview
This 1587 engraving on laid paper, titled *Justus Lipsius*, is the work of Hendrick Goltzius, a prominent Dutch printmaker and draftsman of the early Baroque period. The piece is a portrait of the Flemish scholar and humanist Justus Lipsius.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving portrays Justus Lipsius at the age of 40, as indicated by the inscription. He is depicted in a contemplative manner, adjusting his gloves while cradling a small dog, conveying a sense of refinement and intellectual demeanor. The Latin phrase 'Moribus Antiquis' (With Ancient Morals) at the top suggests an emphasis on classical values.
Technique & Style
Executed in black and white, the engraving showcases Goltzius's technical mastery and refined style, characteristic of Northern Mannerism. The plain background directs focus to Lipsius's facial expression and intricate details, such as his beard and ruff collar.
History & Provenance
Created in 1587, the engraving is dated within the work itself. While the specific provenance of this particular print is not detailed here, it is attributed to Goltzius's prolific output during the early Baroque period.
Context
As an example of 16th-century engraving, *Justus Lipsius* demonstrates the technique of carving into metal plates to produce prints. This method allowed for widespread dissemination of images, contributing to the era's cultural and scholarly exchanges.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.
