Portretten van Abraham Bloemaert, Adam Elsheimer en Adam van Noort 1753

Jacob Houbraken created this print of Abraham Bloemaert, Adam Elsheimer and Adam van Noort sometime in the 18th century. It's now part of the Rijksmuseum collection. This print speaks to the role of artistic lineage and reputation in the Netherlands. These are three artists of different generations, with Bloemaert the teacher of Van Noort. Elsheimer, though, was from Germany. The inclusion of a foreigner suggests the importance of international connections in solidifying Dutch art. It also illustrates a very Dutch concern with the theoretical side of painting. This can be seen in the classical design, the use of portraiture and the inclusion of the putto figure that represents the artist’s genius. Prints like this circulated among collectors, connoisseurs, and other artists. To fully understand its significance, we can delve deeper into Dutch art academies and exhibition culture, researching how artists gained recognition and participated in a broader artistic community.