An Amsterdam Burgomaster (?) 1667
bartholomeuseggers
egg art
sculpture
strong focal point
sculptural image
unrealistic statue
coloured pencil
framed image
watercolour illustration
watercolor
statue
Bartholomeus Eggers' 1667 marble relief "An Amsterdam Burgomaster (?)" is a striking example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture. The high-relief sculpture depicts a man, likely a prominent Amsterdam citizen, with a serious expression and detailed clothing. The work's realistic portrayal and skillful carving are characteristic of Eggers' style. While the precise identity of the sitter is unknown, the work offers a glimpse into the life of a wealthy individual during the Dutch Golden Age.
Comments
Marble portraits were scarce in the Dutch Republic. At first, they were the privilege of the nobility, but after 1650 the powerful Amsterdam burgomasters (mayors) and their relatives also had themselves portrayed in such an aristocratic fashion. The identity of the sitter in this medallion portrait is unfortunately unknown, but from his elegant clothing he appears to belong to this same Amsterdam patrician class.
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