Views of Europe
€ 150
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Condition is good, with minimal signs of age. Small chips in the right border, but far outside the image. The coloring is delicate and precise, enhancing the historical atmosphere of the image.
Hugo Grotius Standing in Street Scene – 19th-Century Hand-Colored Lithograph
This 19th-century hand-colored lithograph depicts Hugo Grotius, known in Dutch as Huig de Groot, a towering figure in legal history and political philosophy. Born in 1583, Grotius is widely considered the father of international law. His seminal work on natural law and maritime law laid the foundations for modern legal systems. He was also a theologian, diplomat, and poet, and his dramatic escape from imprisonment in a book chest is one of the most famous stories in Dutch history.
In this composition, Grotius is shown standing in a quiet Dutch street, wearing scholarly robes and holding his hat in one hand. The architecture in the background alludes to the civic and legal world he influenced so deeply. His pose is calm and reflective, befitting a man of thought and reason.
The print was drawn by W F Hoevenaar and printed by P W van de Weijer in Utrecht, circa 1850. The technique used is lithography with hand-applied color, resulting in a soft and detailed presentation that highlights Grotius’s dignified presence.
Condition is good, with minimal signs of age. Small chips in the right border, but far outside the image. The coloring is delicate and precise, enhancing the historical atmosphere of the image.
Framing suggestion:
This piece is best displayed in a simple dark wood or ebony frame with archival-quality matting. A muted cream or parchment mat will emphasize the architectural details and scholarly tone of the portrait. UV-protective glass is recommended to preserve the color.
Keywords:
Hugo Grotius print, Huig de Groot lithograph, father of international law, antique legal history portrait, Dutch Golden Age scholar, 19th-century hand-colored lithograph, W F Hoevenaar artwork, Utrecht lithographer, collectible Dutch philosopher print, classic legal figure art, Grotius international law, historic legal decor, Dutch Enlightenment portrait
