Portret van de goudsmid Cornelis Claesz. van Aken, op 64-jarige leeftijd 1578

This is an engraving made in 1578 by Wierix, and it depicts the goldsmith Cornelis Claesz. van Aken at the age of 64. It’s interesting to see how the image positions van Aken not just as a craftsman, but as an antiquarian and a scholar. This tells us about the social aspirations of the artisan class in the late 16th century Netherlands. Note the Latin inscription, which is a common visual code that signifies learning and status. The architectural elements in the background, like the obelisk, evoke classical antiquity, further aligning van Aken with intellectual pursuits beyond his trade. The presence of ancient coins in his hands signals both his profession and his humanist interests. This portrait subtly comments on the social structures of the time, suggesting a progressive view where trade and intellectualism can coexist. To fully understand this artwork, we need to consider the history of Dutch humanism, the role of guilds, and the rise of a mercantile class that supported the arts. These are the kind of resources art historians use in their research.