Artwork

Henry van der Borcht, Painter

Henry van der Borcht, Painter, by Wenceslaus Hollar, ink, 1648
Henry van der Borcht, Painter, by Wenceslaus Hollar, ink, 1648

Henry van der Borcht, Painter is an ink print by the Baroque artist Wenceslaus Hollar. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

The etching 'Henry van der Borcht, Painter' is a portrait created by Wenceslaus Hollar in 1648. It is a black-and-white print that showcases Hollar's skill in capturing detailed likenesses.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Henry van der Borcht, a painter, with a serious expression. He is shown holding a piece of paper in one hand and resting the other on his chest, conveying a sense of contemplation or introspection.

Technique & Style

Hollar employed etching techniques to achieve fine, detailed lines in the portrait. The use of this medium allowed for a high level of precision, evident in the rendering of van der Borcht's curly hair and intricately detailed clothing.

History & Provenance

Wenceslaus Hollar, a Czech engraver and etcher, produced this work during his time in London, where he spent a significant portion of his career and was later buried.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Wenceslaus Hollar

Artist

Wenceslaus Hollar

Wenceslaus Hollar (Czech: Václav Hollar (Czech pronunciation: ), German: Wenzel Hollar; 23 July 1607 – 25 March 1677) was a Czech engraver, etcher and painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.