Portret van Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft 1696 - 1713

Pieter Sluyter created this engraving, "Portret van Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft," sometime between 1675 and 1733. This formal portrait commemorates Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, a prominent figure in Dutch history. More than a simple likeness, this image participates in the construction of Hooft's public persona. Made in the Netherlands, the print reflects the values of the Dutch Golden Age, particularly its emphasis on civic virtue and intellectual pursuits. Hooft, a renowned historian, poet, and playwright, embodies the ideal of the engaged citizen. His attire and bearing signal his social standing and intellectual gravitas, while the accompanying text reinforces his reputation as a defender of freedom and justice. The Rijksmuseum, as an institution, plays a crucial role in preserving and interpreting such artifacts. By studying archival documents, letters, and other historical sources, we can gain a deeper understanding of Hooft's life, his contributions to Dutch society, and the ways in which his image was crafted and disseminated to shape public opinion.