Portrait of Francis van Bossuit Surrounded by Angels - Matthijs Pool

An allegorical engraving by Matthijs Pool depicting the sculptor Francis van Bossuit, supported by putti holding his professional tools.

This engraving by Matthijs Pool depicts the Flemish sculptor Francis van Bossuit (1635-1692). The composition is an allegorical portrait, placing the subject within a central oval frame. Four putti, or winged cherubs, support this frame, while a fifth figure hovers above, holding a pair of compasses and a mallet. These tools refer directly to the profession of the sitter, who was known for his ivory carvings. The inclusion of these implements serves to identify the subject as a master of his craft.

The print is based on an original design by Barent Graat, as indicated by the inscription 'B. Graat Inv.' at the bottom left. The style is characteristic of early eighteenth-century Dutch printmaking, employing precise line work and cross-hatching to create volume and shadow. The figures are rendered with the soft, rounded forms typical of the period, and the clouds provide a sense of celestial elevation. Below the central portrait, a pedestal bears an inscription detailing the name, birth, and death of the sculptor, confirming his origins in Brussels and his passing in Amsterdam.

Matthijs Pool was a Dutch engraver active in Amsterdam during the early eighteenth century. His work often involved the reproduction of paintings and drawings by other artists, contributing to the dissemination of visual culture across Europe. This particular print was likely produced as part of a larger collection or as a commemorative frontispiece for a catalogue of Van Bossuit's sculptures. The technical execution demonstrates the high level of skill required for professional engraving in the Dutch Republic, where the medium was essential for documenting the lives and works of contemporary artists and craftsmen.