Portret van Jacob Roelants (1568-1651) 1616 - 1657

This etching by Paulus Pontius, completed between 1616 and 1657, portrays Jacob Roelants, a prominent figure in 17th century Dutch society. The portrait depicts Roelants in a formal pose, seated in a chair and adorned with a large ruff, a characteristic garment of the era. The detailed rendering of the sitter's features, clothing, and surroundings reflects Pontius' masterful skill in etching, a technique that involves using acid to create lines on a metal plate, resulting in a print. The artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the fashion and social customs of the period.