Portret van een 26-jarige man 1585

Hendrick Goltzius's "Portret van een 26-jarige man" (1585) is a detailed engraving depicting a young man, likely a member of the Dutch elite, in an oval frame. The inscription around the frame reads, "In medio consistit virtus. Aet. Svae. 26. A° 1585." This translates to "Virtue lies in the middle. Age 26, 1585." Goltzius was a prominent Mannerist artist known for his intricate engravings and detailed portraits, often featuring highly rendered textures and dramatic light and shadow. The man's crisp ruff, elaborate attire, and the precise inscription emphasize the high social standing and cultural importance of this engraved portrait.