Portret van Elie de la Place 1608

This etching, titled "Portret van Elie de la Place" and created in 1608 by Hendrick Hondius I, depicts Elie de la Place, a French diplomat, in a formal portrait. The artwork, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, features detailed hatching techniques, capturing the subject’s facial features, beard, and clothing with precision. This is a typical example of a portrait etching created in the Dutch Golden Age, emphasizing realism and precision. Hondius I was a prominent engraver in the Netherlands, and this work showcases his mastery of the technique. The inscribed text identifies Elie de la Place’s title and diplomatic duties, providing historical context to the portrait.