Portret van de beeldhouwer Artus Quellinus op 53-jarige leeftijd 1662

Richard Collin created this portrait of the sculptor Artus Quellinus at the age of 53, rendered with a printmaking technique. During the Dutch Golden Age, portraits weren't just about appearances. They were about presenting one’s social standing and professional identity. Quellinus, seen here with the tools of nature, isn't merely an artist; he's presented as a master craftsman, deeply connected to the materials he molds. The choice of attire, the confident gaze, and the very act of commissioning a portrait were all ways to assert status in a society that was rapidly changing. Amsterdam, a hub of commerce and art, provided a stage for individuals like Quellinus to rise and be recognized. What does it mean to have your likeness captured and disseminated? It speaks to the human desire to leave a mark, to be remembered. Consider how this image, carefully crafted, attempts to freeze a moment in time, to immortalize not just a face, but a legacy.