Portret van Johann Heller op 72-jarige leeftijd Possibly 1632 - 1645

Jacob van der Heyden created this portrait of Johann Heller around 1632, using engraving, a printmaking technique that involves cutting lines into a metal plate. The incised lines hold ink, which is then transferred to paper under pressure. Look closely at the dense network of lines that define Heller's face and clothing. The varying thickness and proximity of these lines create a sense of depth, texture, and tone. Notice how the engraver used hatching and cross-hatching to build up shadows and model form, particularly in the folds of Heller's elaborate robe and the contours of his face. Engraving demanded considerable skill, patience, and precision. Each line represents a deliberate mark, requiring the engraver to carefully control the burin, a specialized cutting tool. The resulting print reflects not only the artist's technical expertise but also the subject's social standing. The act of portraying Heller in such a meticulous manner elevates him, emphasizing his importance as a scholar and public figure. This print thus straddles the worlds of craft and fine art, using skilled handwork to create a lasting image of civic authority.