Portret van Pieter de Jode (I) 1630 - 1646

Lucas Vorsterman I created this print, "Portret van Pieter de Jode (I)," sometime in the 17th century. It captures the likeness of Pieter de Jode, a fellow engraver in Antwerp. The image itself speaks to the booming print culture of the Dutch Golden Age. Printmaking became a major industry, as the technology allowed images and information to be disseminated widely and relatively cheaply. De Jode's success was tied to this changing media landscape. His attire and pose speak to his status in Antwerp society. The portrait also represents the institutional structures of artistic production at the time. Guilds played a huge role, standardizing training and protecting the interests of artists. Understanding the historical context around this image involves looking at guild records, business ledgers, and inventories. By digging into these sources, we can see how art was embedded in the commercial and social life of the time.