Portret van John Tradescant de Oude 1656

Wenceslaus Hollar's "Portret van John Tradescant de Oude" is an etching from 1656, depicting John Tradescant, an English gardener and collector of curiosities, in a simple oval frame. Hollar, a prolific Czech-born artist known for his detailed engravings, captures the sitter's sharp features and weathered face, a testament to a life spent exploring and collecting. This small portrait, now held in the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies Hollar's skill in portraying individuals with precise detail and subtle expression. The inscription beneath Tradescant's image refers to his collection of rare plants and objects, a testament to his contributions to natural history and his role as a pioneer of early museums.