Set of Three Dutch Naval Portraits – Kortenaer, Kallenberg, and Van Nes, c.1700s

Maritime

Set of Three Dutch Naval Portraits – Kortenaer, Kallenberg, and Van Nes, c.1700s

€ 380

Original antique · The actual sheet photographed · Certificate of authenticity on request · Sold unframed · Worldwide shipping from € 15 (rates)

Mapmaker / artist: Various Dutch engravers, after contemporary portraits; c.1700s
Technique: Copperplate engraving on laid paper
Sheet size: 21.8 × 13.5 cm (8.6 × 5.3 in)
Condition: Good
Reference: BG-13185-39, -41, -76

What the condition grades mean

Excellent: Bright and clean, with no faults worth mentioning.
Very good: Only light signs of age, such as faint toning.
Good: Normal signs of age for a sheet of this period: toning, some foxing, small marks or neat old repairs.
Fair: Clear faults such as staining, tears or repairs, priced to match.

Every fault we see is written in the condition note, and the whole sheet is shown uncropped in the photos.

Condition

Very good condition with clean impressions and only slight toning from age. Paper sound, margins intact.

About this sheet

Set of Three Dutch Naval Portraits – Kortenaer, Kallenberg, and Van Nes, c.1700s
A fine set of three 18th-century copperplate engraved portraits depicting prominent Dutch naval leaders from the 17th century, each within an oval frame and with a caption panel below. From left to right:

1. Egbert Meeuwszoon Kortenaer – Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and West Friesland. Kortenaer (1604–1665) distinguished himself in the First and Second Anglo-Dutch Wars and fell mortally wounded at the Battle of Lowestoft. His leadership and tactical acumen made him one of the most respected admirals of his generation.

2. Gerard Kallenberg – Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and West Friesland. Kallenberg served as a senior flag officer, holding one of the highest naval ranks in the Dutch Republic. His portrait appears in multiple naval biographical series, attesting to his prominent position.

3. Aert van Nes – Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and West Friesland. Van Nes (1626–1693) played a decisive role in several key naval engagements during the Anglo-Dutch Wars and was noted for his steady command and seamanship.

These engravings were likely produced for a large-scale illustrated naval history or a collected biography of Dutch admirals, a popular genre in the Netherlands during the 18th century. Each print demonstrates fine craftsmanship, with intricate hatching and cross-hatching used to render facial expressions, costume details, and armor with clarity and depth.

Condition report:
Very good condition with clean impressions and only slight toning from age. Paper sound, margins intact.

Framing tips:
A panoramic frame with a neutral mount will present these portraits to best effect. Dark wood, black, or gilt moulding will complement their formal style.