Artwork
Adriaen Tegularius
Adriaen Tegularius is an ink print by the Baroque artist Jonas Suyderhoff. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
The figure is rendered in stark contrast against an unadorned background, emphasizing his solemn expression, white collar, and dark, textured robe.
Jonas Suyderhoff’s 1650 engraving titled “Adriaen Tegularius” presents a monochrome portrait of a dignified, bearded gentleman. The figure is rendered in stark contrast against an unadorned background, emphasizing his solemn expression, white collar, and dark, textured robe. The composition is centered, with the subject’s hands folded before him, drawing the viewer’s attention to his direct, intense gaze.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a mature man with a full beard and mustache, suggesting status and maturity. His formal attire—a dark robe with a white collar—indicates a position of respectability, possibly clerical or academic. The folded hands and steady stare convey composure and authority, inviting contemplation of the sitter’s identity and role within his contemporary society.
Technique & Style
Executed as an engraving, the image was incised into a metal plate, allowing for fine line work and deep shadows. Suyderhoff’s handling of hatching creates nuanced textures in the subject’s wrinkles, hair, and fabric, while the plain background isolates the figure, a common approach in mid‑17th‑century portrait prints.
History & Provenance
Created in 1650, the print bears the name of its subject, Adriaen Tegularius, though details of his life remain scarce. The work survives in several European print collections, reflecting the period’s practice of distributing portrait engravings to a wider audience beyond the original sitter’s immediate circle.
Artist & collection
