Portret van Cornelius de Vene Possibly 1670

"Portret van Cornelius de Vene" (possibly 1670) is an engraving by Matthias van Sommer depicting Cornelius de Vene at the age of 63. The portrait depicts de Vene in a three-quarter view, with his right hand resting on a table, holding a lit candle. The etching displays a fine amount of detail, especially in the drapery and the depiction of de Vene’s features. The Latin inscription at the bottom of the engraving provides information about de Vene and the engraver. This engraving is an example of a typical 17th century portrait style and provides insight into the history of alchemy.