Portret van Jacob Muys van Holy 1648 - 1677

Curator: This is "Portrait of Jacob Muys van Holy" by Samuel van Hoogstraten, dating from between 1648 and 1677. It's currently housed in the Rijksmuseum. An impressive engraving, don't you think? Editor: Yes, it's striking! I immediately notice the strong gaze and the subject’s somewhat imposing presence. Given that it is an engraving, how did prints such as these play a role at the time? Curator: Exactly! These engravings weren't just aesthetic objects. During the Dutch Golden Age, prints like this circulated widely, becoming critical in shaping public perception. The Muys family coat of arms would have clearly situated the sitter's elevated social standing, while this particular print perhaps served to reinforce the sitter's socio-political importance as depicted in the lengthy accompanying inscription. Why do you think they chose this medium? Editor: Maybe it was a conscious choice, to broaden the image's accessibility and reach a wider audience than a painted portrait would have? Did prints like these contribute to solidify someone's reputation? Curator: Precisely. The printing press democratized image distribution. Think of this not just as a portrait, but as a calculated piece of political image-making, reinforcing the power structures of the time. By controlling the narrative of a person such as Muys and its distribution, elites were shaping public opinion, creating visual propaganda in its earliest form. What do you notice about the poem underneath the portrait? Editor: The poem is interesting - I had missed this! The typography and length give an official endorsement to this man. I see how a print such as this would further his status within society, serving as an historical document. Thank you. Curator: My pleasure. The engraving truly operates on many levels - simultaneously an artistic and political statement!