Portret van Lubbert Claesz. van der Weijden 1590s

This is a portrait of Lubbert Claesz. van der Weijden, made by Hendrick Goltzius in the late 16th or early 17th century, using graphite on paper. The effect of this portrait comes down to Goltzius’s technique. He renders the face and ruff with tight, controlled lines. Notice how these are applied in layers, building up tone and volume. It's a particularly good example of the kind of highly skilled drawing that was the foundation for so much Northern European art at this time. Although this is just a drawing, the labor involved is considerable. Think of the time and practice it would take to develop such dexterity with a humble piece of graphite. The artist's mastery elevates it beyond mere utility. This kind of drawing was crucial not only for its own sake, but for its role in training the eye and hand. This reflects the traditional workshop model, where skill was passed down through rigorous practice. It reminds us that art-making is never just about individual expression; it's rooted in collective knowledge and accumulated expertise.