Stanislaw Sobocki (?) 1583

This engraving by Hendrick Goltzius, dated 1583, depicts a portrait of Stanislaw Sobocki, a Polish nobleman, at the age of 27. The work is a prime example of Goltzius's distinctive style, which combines meticulous detail with expressive exaggeration. Sobocki is portrayed in a commanding pose, standing on a rock overlooking a vast battlefield. He is adorned in elaborate clothing, showcasing the fashions of the late sixteenth century, and his face is rendered with a strong sense of character. Goltzius's mastery of the engraving technique is evident in the intricate rendering of the armor, fabrics, and the bustling battlefield below. The print is a testament to the artist's ability to capture both the physical and the psychological presence of his subject.