Portret van Simon van Leeuwen 1662

This 1662 engraving by Pieter Philippe depicts Simon van Leeuwen, a Dutch jurist and scholar. The portrait, now housed at the Rijksmuseum, presents van Leeuwen in profile, his face and elaborate, curled hair dominating the composition. It's a classic example of a Baroque portrait, characterized by the use of light and shadow to create volume and depth, and the inclusion of inscription and latin text. The inscription, "Aetatis XXXV A° Domini MDCXII," reveals van Leeuwen's age at the time. This engraving offers a glimpse into the life of a prominent 17th-century legal figure and showcases Pieter Philippe's skill as a portraitist.