Portretten van Jan van Amstel, Joachim Patinir, Lambert Lombard en Jan van Scorel 1764

Jan l’Admiral created this print of Jan van Amstel, Joachim Patinir, Lambert Lombard and Jan van Scorel. The composition is divided into quadrants, each presenting a portrait of a historical figure, rendered with meticulous detail. These figures are framed in a way that resembles a collage, with each portrait existing as a distinct yet connected element within the overall design. The use of line is particularly striking. Admiral employs fine, closely-spaced lines to create the illusion of depth, texture, and shadow. Look at the details of the faces; each line works to define the contours and textures, giving a sense of volume and presence. This technique is especially evident in the rendering of hair and fabric, where the lines mimic the fall and fold of the material. The arrangement of these portraits suggests a dialogue between artistic traditions and historical memory. The print challenges our perception of space and representation, asking us to reconsider the relationship between the individual and the collective.