Portret van Lucas van Leyden 1818 - 1832

Here is Friedrich Wilhelm Bollinger's "Portret van Lucas van Leyden", an engraving from the early 19th century. At first glance, this may appear to be a straightforward homage to the Dutch Renaissance artist Lucas van Leyden, who died almost 300 years before this piece was made. But let's consider it in the context of 19th-century Europe, a time rife with nationalism. Bollinger, working in this environment, wasn't just creating a portrait; he was participating in a broader cultural project of defining and celebrating a distinctly Dutch artistic heritage. This image, with its crisp lines and classical style, presents van Leyden as a figure of national pride. The choice of portraying van Leyden, known for his printmaking, also speaks to the democratizing force of art. Prints made art accessible, and this portrait, itself a print, echoes that sentiment. It's a layered tribute, reflecting both personal artistic admiration and a larger societal narrative of cultural identity.