Portret van apostolisch vicaris Johannes van Neercassel 1681 - 1726

This etching by François van Bleyswijck, dating from 1681-1726, is a portrait of Johannes van Neercassel, the Bishop of Castoria and Apostolic Vicar of the Netherlands. Van Neercassel is depicted in a seated pose, dressed in his clerical robes and holding a book, likely a religious text. The portrait is framed within an oval, a popular choice for formal portraits of the period, and the artist has used a technique of fine lines to create a sense of detail and realism. The inscription below the portrait identifies the subject and details his accomplishments, further emphasizing the importance and influence of this religious figure. This piece is a fine example of Dutch 17th-century portraiture, known for its attention to detail and its focus on capturing the sitter's personality and social status.