Portret van Adriaen Pauw op 60-jarige leeftijd

About this artwork

collector's mark: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Portrait of Adriaenauw at Age 60** *Pieter Tanjé, 1716–1761,, 180 × 117 mm* This delicate engraving by Dutch artist Pieter Tanjé captures Adriaen Pauw, a pivotal figure in 17th-century Dutch history at the age of 60. Pauw (1585–1653) rose to prominence as Grand Pensionary of Holland, the Netherlands through turbulent times, including negotiations during the First Anglo-Dutch War and the Treaty of Westminster. Tanjé, a skilled engraver active in the early 18th century, likely based this portrait on earlier paintings, preserving Pauw's dignified likeness for posterity amid the Rococo era's elegant portraiture. Engraving, Tanjé's chosen medium, exemplifies 18th-century printmaking mastery: fine lines incised into a copper plate allowed for precise details in facial features, lace collars, and somber attire, making high-quality reproductions affordable and widespread. At just 18 cm tall, this intimate plate highlights the technique's versatility for books, collections, and personal devotionals, democratizing access to elite portraits. Bearing the collector's mark Lugt 2228—linked to esteemed European connoisseurs—this piece underscores its value in art historical circles, bridging Golden Age politics with Enlightenment collecting. A window into Dutch statesman culture, it invites reflection on legacy through art.