Artwork
Martin Herpert
Martin Herpert is an ink print by the Baroque artist Willem Hondius. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The engraving *Martin Herpert* is a 1639 print by Willem Hondius, a Dutch artist active primarily in Poland.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a man named Martin Herpert, shown from the chest up in an oval frame, with a dark jacket and white ruffled collar. His identity and role are not specified.
Technique & Style
Hondius employed intricate cross-hatching to create depth and texture, characteristic of Baroque art. The dark background focuses attention on the subject, and the engraving techniques add detail and realism to the portrait.
History & Provenance
Willem Hondius was born around 1598 in The Hague and spent much of his career in Danzig (Gdańsk), where he died between 1652 and 1658.
Artist & collection
Artist
Willem Hondius or Willem Hondt (c. 1598 in The Hague – 1652 or 1658 in Danzig (Gdańsk)) was a Dutch engraver, cartographer and painter who spent most of his life in Poland.
