Artwork

Joannes Steinbergius

Joannes Steinbergius, by Crispijn van de Passe II, ink, 1652
Joannes Steinbergius, by Crispijn van de Passe II, ink, 1652

Joannes Steinbergius is an ink print by the Baroque artist Crispijn van de Passe II. It dates from 1652 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Crispijn van de Passe II’s 1652 engraving presents a solitary male figure rendered in a formal, dignified manner. The portrait is framed by a circular border that bears text which cannot be read, and the composition is set against a light‑toned background that accentuates the darker clothing of the sitter.

Subject & Meaning

The subject appears as a mature man with a serious expression, his medium‑length wavy hair framing a face that conveys gravitas. He wears a dark jacket and a crisp white collar, attire that suggests a respectable social standing typical of the mid‑seventeenth‑century European portraiture.

Technique & Style

Executed as an engraving, the work relies on fine line work and cross‑hatching to model light and shadow, especially in the contrast between the dark garments and the luminous background. The circular ornamental frame and the restrained, orderly composition reflect the conventions of Baroque portraiture while maintaining the precise draftsmanship characteristic of van de Passe’s print workshop.

History & Provenance

Created in 1652, the print is attributed to Crispijn van de Passe II, a member of the prolific van de Passe family of engravers active in the Dutch Republic. The piece has been catalogued as part of the family’s output of portrait prints, which were widely distributed for both commemorative and decorative purposes.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.