3879

About this artwork

Wapenschild van Michiel ten Hove (o.a. pensionaris van Haarlem), met links daarvan een putto met blinddoek, zwaard en weegschaal (Justitia/Rechtvaardigheid). Dit blad maakt deel uit van een omvangrijke prent met een grote plattegrond van Haarlem, omgeven door zeven wapenschilden, een profiel van de stad, gezichten op markante Haarlemse gebouwen en voorstellingen van belangrijke momenten uit de Haarlemse geschiedenis.

Art Historical Context

Behold "3879," an exquisite etching by Romeyn de Hooghe, a master Dutch printmaker of the late Baroque era, created between1688 and 1698. Measuring 258 mm high by 385 mm wide, this detailed work captures the coat of arms of Michiel Hove, a prominentary (chief legal officer) of Haarlem. Flanking the shield on the left is a putto—a childlike allegorical figure—blindfolded and holding a sword and scales, symbolizingitia, the Roman goddess of justice and righteousness. De Hooghe's etching technique shines here, with its fine lines and intricate shading that bring texture and depth to the heraldic motifs. This sheet forms a vital part of a grand panoramic print glorifying Haarlem, featuring a large city map encircled by seven coats of arms, a skyline profile, views of iconic buildings, and vignettes of key historical events. Produced during the Dutch Golden Age's waning years, it reflects civic pride and the era's fascination with topography and local history, often commissioned to honor influential figures like ten Hove. De Hooghe, renowned for his versatile output from satirical cartoons to elaborate illustrations, used such works to blend artistry with propaganda, immortalizing Haarlem's stature. Visitors will appreciate how this etching encapsulates 17th-century Netherlands' blend of symbolism, precision, and patriotism.

About the Artist

Romeyn de Hooghe · 1645–1708

Romeyn de Hooghe (1645-1708) was a Dutch Baroque engraver, draughtsman, and political satirist who became the most prolific and versatile graphic artist of the Dutch Republic in the late seventeenth century. Born in Amsterdam, he rose to become one of early modern Europe's most important printmakers and a pioneering master of political satire. De Hooghe's significance extends far beyond his techn...