Portretten van Pieter Coecke van Aelst, Maarten van Heemskerck en Michiel Coxie 1764

This print by Jan L’ Admiral portrays three Northern Renaissance artists, Pieter Coecke van Aelst, Maarten van Heemskerck, and Michiel Coxie. The image evokes a sense of artistic lineage and the importance of historical precedent in art. It's interesting to consider how artists choose to represent their predecessors and peers. Are they emphasizing a shared identity as artists, or highlighting individual achievements? How much does this say about the cultural values and artistic movements of the time? In a society that was deeply shaped by notions of lineage, class, and patronage, it is important to remember that the creation and reception of art was influenced by social and political structures. These portraits give us a personal glimpse into the lives and legacies of these artists, inviting us to reflect on our relationship with art history.