Portret van Gualtherus Zoutmaat

About this artwork

hoogte 160 mm x breedte 120 mm

Art Historical Context

This delicate etching by Pieter de Mare, dated 1783, presents a portrait of Gualtherus Zoutmaat in a compact format measuring just 160 by 120 millimeters. The small scale invites close viewing, suggesting the work was likely intended for private collectors or as part of a printed series rather than large public display. Etchings like this one allowed artists to capture fine details and subtle tonal variations through the careful use of acid on metal plates, a technique well-suited to intimate portraiture in the late eighteenth century. De Mare’s choice of medium reflects the enduring popularity of printmaking in the Netherlands, where such works helped circulate images of notable figures beyond painted originals. The precise lines and restrained composition typical of etchings from this period emphasize clarity and character over dramatic effect, offering viewers a quiet encounter with the sitter. Created during a time of shifting European artistic tastes, the portrait stands as a refined example of how print techniques bridged personal commemoration and wider cultural exchange.