Portret van Matthias Wesenbeck 1682

Edme de Boulonois’s 1682 engraving, “Portret van Matthias Wesenbeck”, depicts a portrait of Matthias Wesenbeck, who appears to be in his study. The engraving is characteristic of the Baroque period and captures the subject in a realistic style. The subject is dressed in a fur-trimmed robe, a status symbol at the time. He is holding a book and a quill pen sits on the table in front of him. The subject’s gaze is directed toward the viewer. The engraving’s detailed depiction of the subject and the use of light and shadow help to create a sense of depth and realism. This engraving provides insight into the lives of important figures from the 17th century.