Artwork

Salomon de Bray (formerly Jan van Goyen)

Salomon de Bray (formerly Jan van Goyen), by Jacobus Buys, chalk, 1766
Salomon de Bray (formerly Jan van Goyen), by Jacobus Buys, chalk, 1766

Salomon de Bray (formerly Jan van Goyen) is a chalk print by the Romanticist artist Jacobus Buys. It dates from 1766 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

This 1766 print, previously attributed to Jan van Goyen but now recognized as the work of Cornelis Ploos van Amstel, portrays a side view of a man's face and hat in a loose, sketchy style.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified as Salomon de Bray, is depicted with a wide-brimmed hat, short beard, and protruding ears, conveying a sense of everyday likeness rather than formal portraiture.

Technique & Style

The print combines chalk manner with roulette printing from two plates, in gray and red-orange ink. Quick, expressive lines and selective color accents (notably on the cheeks and neck) create a lively, spontaneous impression.

History & Provenance

Originally attributed to Jan van Goyen, the work is now correctly attributed to Cornelis Ploos van Amstel, dated to 1766. Provenance details are not provided.

Context

The piece reflects 18th-century Dutch printmaking techniques, blending traditional methods (chalk) with the then-emerging roulette printing, suggesting an experimental approach.

Legacy

While not widely recognized as a landmark work, it demonstrates the evolution of printmaking techniques in the Netherlands during the late 18th century and provides insight into the correction of artistic attributions over time.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacobus Buys

Artist

Jacobus Buys

Jacobus Buys (1726–1798) was an artist, born in Weesp.

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