Portret van Arnold Marcel

About this artwork

verzamelaarsmerk, verso, gestempeld: Lugt 2228

Art Historical Context

**Portrait of Arnold Marcel** by Aert Schou (1710–1792) is a delicate 18th-century drawing from 1748, capturing the of its sitter on a modest sheet of paper measuring 221 × 179 mm. Schouman, a versatile artist active during the Rococo era, was renowned for his precise draughtsmanship in portraits, history scenes, and natural subjects. This intimate work reflects the period's growing interest in personal commemoration among the Dutch elite, blending elegant lines with subtle characterization typical of his preparatory studies or standalone sketches. Executed on paper—a favored medium for Schouman's quick yet refined techniques, often using graphite, chalk, or ink—this portrait exemplifies the artist's skill in rendering texture and expression on a small scale. In 1748, the Netherlands was a hub of Enlightenment patronage, where such drawings served both artistic and social purposes, sometimes as models for engravings or private treasures. On the verso, it bears a collector's mark stamped Lugt 2228, a hallmark from Frits Lugt's comprehensive catalog of ownership stamps, signaling its passage through esteemed European collections. This provenance underscores the artwork's enduring value, offering visitors a glimpse into 18th-century collecting culture and Schouman's lasting influence on Dutch graphic arts.

About the Artist

Aert Schouman · 1710–1792

Comment on works: Portraits; Interiors; Landscapes; Still life