Portret van Hans von Aachen 1610

This is Andries Stock's print of Hans von Aachen, made sometime between 1572 and 1648. Stock's engraving and etching on paper serves not only as a portrait but also as a declaration about the status and mobility of artists in Europe at that time. We can see the image creates meaning through both visual and textual cues. "Ioannes Aquanus, Coloniensis, Pictor" announces the sitter's name, his Cologne origins, and his profession as a painter. The inscription below is a Latin poem which credits Italy with fostering his artistic genius. We see him formally dressed in a ruff, doublet and cloak. This attire would indicate his membership in a wealthy merchant class. The poem and clothing both reflect the growth of a market in which artists could achieve wealth and prestige. By examining guild records, travel logs, and other related documents, historians can more accurately trace the impact of art institutions and economic markets on the lives and careers of early modern artists. After all, the meaning of art is contingent on its social context.