Figures & Portraits · 17th century
€ 180
One of a kind: this is the sheet in the photographs. Ships from Langweer, the Netherlands.
Reasonable condition. Moderate age toning, some light staining near upper corners and margins. Mounted on paper. Plate still sharp with well-preserved detail.
Portrait of Johannes Wtenbogaert – Remonstrant Leader, Engraving by Delff, 1632
This historic 17th-century portrait depicts Johannes Wtenbogaert (1557–1644), the influential Dutch theologian and spiritual leader of the Remonstrants, a liberal Protestant movement that opposed the strict Calvinist orthodoxy in the Dutch Republic. As a preacher and political theologian, Wtenbogaert played a central role in the religious debates that shaped the early Dutch Golden Age.
Engraved in 1632 by Willem Jacobsz. Delff (1580–1638), one of the most accomplished portrait engravers of the time, this work is based on an original painting by Michiel van Mierevelt (1566–1641), the preeminent portrait painter of the Dutch Republic. Wtenbogaert is shown at age 75, as noted in the Latin inscription “Aetatis suae LXXV.” He wears the characteristic wide ruff and simple ministerial robes, his expression calm yet thoughtful—reflective of his role as a preacher, thinker, and religious dissident.
The Latin verse below the portrait, written by the poet Caspar Barlaeus, extols Wtenbogaert’s piety, eloquence, and wisdom in both pulpit and politics. As court chaplain to Johan van Oldenbarnevelt and a key advocate for religious tolerance, Wtenbogaert’s career came under scrutiny during the Synod of Dort (1618–1619), after which he was exiled. He later returned to the Netherlands and continued his writing and preaching until his death in The Hague.
This portrait is a rare and poignant historical artifact, ideal for collectors of Dutch religious history, Remonstrant heritage, and Golden Age theological portraiture.
Condition: Reasonable condition. Moderate age toning, some light staining near upper corners and margins. Mounted on paper. Plate still sharp with well-preserved detail.
Framing tips: A simple black or dark oak frame with a light parchment mat will highlight the portrait’s age and significance while preserving its solemn tone.
Technique: Etching and engraving
Maker: Willem Delff (after Michiel van Mierevelt), Netherlands, 1632
