Pontvs Qvoqve serviet illi

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 240

Art Historical Context

**Pontus Quoque Serviet Illi** Antony van der Does (9–1680) is a striking 17th-century engraving measuring 304 mm high by 390 mm wide. Created during the Dutch Golden Age this work exemplifies the era's mastery of printmaking, a medium that allowed artists like van der Does—a skilled Dutch engraver—to reproduce intricate designs for wide dissemination. Engravings were prized for their precision and durability, often serving educational, devotional, or decorative purposes in homes and collections across Europe. The Latin title, translating roughly to "Even Pontus will serve him," evokes biblical prophecy, likely alluding to themes of dominion and divine favor from Psalms or similar texts. Van der Does, known for his detailed reproductive prints, would have employed fine burin techniques to capture dramatic contrasts, textures, and symbolic motifs, making complex narratives accessible to a broad audience amid the era's religious fervor and expanding trade networks. On the verso, it bears a collector's mark (Lugt 240), linking it to esteemed provenance from the catalog of Frits Lugt, a 20th-century connoisseur. This mark underscores the artwork's enduring value, highlighting how such engravings bridged art markets and preserved cultural heritage for generations of admirers.

About the Artist

Antony van der Does · 1609–1680

Flemish, 1609–1680