Portret van Johannes Steinbergen - Crispijn van de Passe (II)

A formal 1652 engraving by Crispijn van de Passe (II) depicting Johannes Steinbergen, featuring detailed line work and a Latin inscription.

This engraving by Crispijn van de Passe (II) depicts Johannes Steinbergen, a figure of academic and legal standing in the mid-seventeenth century. The work adheres to the conventions of Dutch Golden Age portraiture, where the subject is presented within an oval frame, a common device for formal likenesses of the period. The artist employs precise line work to capture the texture of the sitter's clothing and the subtle contours of his face, reflecting the technical mastery associated with the Van de Passe family of engravers.

The composition includes a Latin inscription surrounding the portrait, identifying Steinbergen and his roles, while the lower section features a laudatory poem by Nicolaus Rittershusius. This inclusion of text is typical of seventeenth-century prints, which often functioned as commemorative documents or frontispieces for scholarly publications. The sitter is shown in a three-quarter view, wearing a simple collar and a buttoned doublet, attire that conveys a sense of sober professionalism. The shading is achieved through varied hatching and cross-hatching techniques, which provide volume to the figure while maintaining a clear, legible image.

Crispijn van de Passe (II) was part of a prolific family of printmakers who were instrumental in the dissemination of portraiture and illustrative works across Europe. His ability to render the likeness of his subjects with such clarity made him a sought-after artist for documenting the intellectual elite of his time. This print offers a glimpse into the visual culture of the Dutch Republic, where the intersection of art, law, and academia was frequently documented through the medium of the copperplate engraving. The work remains a clear example of the formal portrait style that defined the era, prioritising accuracy and dignified presentation over decorative excess.