Portret van Vincent Jacobsz. Coster 1602

This is Jacob Matham’s portrait of Vincent Jacobsz. Coster, made using engraving – a printmaking technique where lines are incised into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The material qualities here are those of line and tone, creating a striking likeness of Coster. But it’s more than just a portrait; it’s a statement. Look closely at the details: the allegorical figures, the elaborate frame, and Coster himself, holding a glass of wine. The engraving technique, with its precise lines, allowed for the reproduction of intricate details, underscoring Coster’s status and wealth. Matham was a highly skilled printmaker, part of a robust industry that catered to the demands of a growing merchant class. Prints like these were not just art; they were commodities, symbols of status in a society increasingly shaped by trade and consumption. By understanding the materials, making, and context, we can see how this image speaks to the social and economic forces of its time.