About this sheet
Portrait of Gerrit Dou — Etching by Paul Adolphe Rajon after Dutch Master
This refined 19th-century etching depicts the celebrated Dutch Golden Age painter Gerrit Dou (1613–1675), rendered by the accomplished French printmaker Paul Adolphe Rajon (1843–1888). The portrait was created around 1876 and published in London by Seeley, Jackson & Halliday for Philip Gilbert Hamerton’s influential art periodical The Portfolio, a publication dedicated to reproducing important works of European art for collectors and students.
The composition presents a half-length portrait of the artist within an oval frame, a format often used in classical portraiture. The figure is shown wearing a soft beret and cloak, holding a pipe in his hand while gazing directly toward the viewer. Rajon’s delicate etching technique creates subtle gradations of light and shadow, carefully modeling the facial features and textures of the clothing while emphasizing the contemplative expression of the sitter.
The image is based on a well-known painted portrait associated with Gerrit Dou, a leading painter of the Leiden school and one of the most distinguished pupils of Rembrandt van Rijn. Dou became famous in the 17th century for his meticulously detailed genre scenes and portraits, executed with extraordinary precision and refined technique. His works were highly prized by collectors during his lifetime and remained influential long afterward.
During the late 19th century there was renewed scholarly and collector interest in the masters of the Dutch Golden Age. Publications such as The Portfolio commissioned leading printmakers to reproduce significant paintings through finely executed etchings. Paul Adolphe Rajon was among the most respected engravers working in this revival of original etching, known for his ability to translate the tonal richness and painterly qualities of oil paintings into the expressive language of the etched line.
Although historically identified as a self-portrait of Dou, modern scholarship has occasionally debated this attribution. Regardless of its precise identification, the image remains an elegant and evocative representation of the Dutch master and reflects the enduring fascination with 17th-century Dutch painting during the 19th century.
Rajon’s technical skill is evident throughout the print. The intricate cross-hatching and controlled tonal transitions create depth and atmosphere while maintaining remarkable clarity in the portrait. The oval format and restrained composition give the image a timeless, classical character.
This print is valued both as a fine example of 19th-century reproductive etching and as a tribute to one of the most accomplished painters of the Dutch Golden Age.
Condition:
Very good antique condition with light age toning and minor spotting consistent with age. The plate mark is visible and the impression remains crisp and well printed. Minor handling wear is confined mainly to the margins.
Framing tips:
This portrait displays beautifully with a generous mat and a dark walnut or black frame, allowing the oval composition and fine etched details to stand out. The print is supplied unframed.
Technique: Etching
Maker: Paul Adolphe Rajon after Gerrit Dou, France / London, circa 1876
