Plate 56: Female Head with Diadem and Veil - Jan de Bisschop

A detailed seventeenth-century etching by Jan de Bisschop, depicting a classical bust of the Roman empress Faustina Major.

This etching by Jan de Bisschop, a prominent Dutch lawyer and amateur artist, originates from his influential publication, 'Signorum Veterum Icones'. The work depicts a classical bust identified as Faustina Major, the Roman empress. De Bisschop was known for his technical skill in reproducing antique sculptures, a practice that allowed European artists and collectors to study classical forms without travelling to Italy.

The print demonstrates the artist's mastery of line and shadow. Through the use of varied hatching techniques, de Bisschop captures the texture of the marble, the soft folds of the veil, and the decorative details of the diadem. The composition is focused on the bust, presenting the subject in a three-quarter view that emphasises the sculptural quality of the original antique model. The inscription at the base, 'Faustina major. ex marmore antique', confirms the source material as an ancient marble sculpture.

De Bisschop's work is valued for its precision and its role in the dissemination of classical aesthetics during the seventeenth century. His etchings were widely circulated and served as a primary reference for artists across Europe. This print is a fine example of the period's fascination with antiquity, reflecting a disciplined approach to draughtsmanship and printmaking. The clarity of the lines and the balanced tonal range make this a compelling study of classical portraiture, suitable for those interested in the history of printmaking and the reception of classical art in the Dutch Golden Age.