Portret van Carel Passé als Filips de Goede

About this artwork

plaatrand: hoogte 459 mm x breedte 344 mm

Art Historical Context

Behold *Portret van Carel Passé als Filips de Goede* (Portrait of Carel Passé as Philip the Good), a captivating 1779 hand-colored print by English engraver Richard Brookshaw. Measuring 459 mm high by 344 mm wide—matching the plate border—this work depicts Carel Passé, likely an actor or performer, costumed as the illustrious 15th-century Duke of Burgundy, Philip the Good (1396–1467). Philip was a pivotal figure in the Low Countries' history, patron of the arts and expander of Burgundian power, evoking the opulent courts of medieval Flanders. Created during the late Enlightenment, when historical reenactments and theatrical portraits surged in popularity, this piece reflects 18th-century Europe's romantic fascination with medieval grandeur. Brookshaw, known for his delicate stipple engravings, captures the duke's regal attire—fur-lined robes and jeweled insignia—with meticulous detail, blending portraiture and performance art. The hand-coloring technique elevates the print from monochrome engraving to vibrant lifelikeness, a prized method in the era that made affordable reproductions feel luxurious. For visitors, it offers a window into how 18th-century audiences celebrated heritage through costume, bridging Brookshaw's technical finesse with cultural nostalgia.