Portret van Joost van den Vondel 1753

This 1753 engraving by Albertus Besseling depicts Joost van den Vondel, a prominent Dutch poet and playwright. The portrait is rendered in a realistic style, showcasing Vondel's age and wisdom. His attire and pose suggest a person of high social standing. The inscription beneath the portrait references Apelles, a famous Greek painter who is said to have been the only artist to depict Alexander the Great accurately. This comparison hints at Vondel's significant artistic talent and influence in the Dutch literary world. The engraving's simple composition and detailed rendering are characteristic of 18th-century portraiture.