Diamanten, robijnen en parels - Romeyn de Hooghe

A detailed seventeenth-century scientific engraving by Romeyn de Hooghe, documenting the facets, shapes, and weights of diamonds, rubies, and pearls.

This detailed engraving by the Dutch artist Romeyn de Hooghe provides a systematic visual record of precious gemstones. Produced in the late seventeenth century, the work functions as a scientific catalogue, documenting the physical properties, facets, and weights of diamonds, rubies, and pearls known to European collectors of the period. The composition is divided into distinct sections, with each stone rendered in monochrome to focus on its geometric structure and light-reflecting qualities.

De Hooghe, a prolific printmaker and illustrator, applied his technical precision to capture the specific characteristics of these stones. The left section focuses on diamonds, displaying various cuts and orientations, including top and side views. The right section is dedicated to rubies and pearls, illustrating their natural, unpolished forms alongside finished, faceted examples. Annotations in French and Dutch accompany the illustrations, providing technical data such as carat weights and provenance notes for specific items, including stones from the French royal collection.

As a document of seventeenth-century gemmology, this print reflects the era's fascination with classification and the systematic study of the natural world. The clean lines and structured layout demonstrate the artist's ability to translate complex three-dimensional objects into a clear, two-dimensional format. This work is a fine example of the intersection between art and scientific documentation, offering a glimpse into the material culture and luxury trade of the Dutch Golden Age. The print serves as a record of historical specimens, many of which were significant assets in the inventories of European monarchs and merchants.