Portret van Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol - Johan Antonie Kaldenbach

A refined stipple engraving depicting a profile portrait of Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, executed with technical precision.

This stipple engraving presents a profile portrait of Joan Derk van der Capellen tot den Pol, a figure of political significance in the Netherlands during the late eighteenth century. The work is executed with the precision characteristic of the period, utilising the stipple technique to create subtle gradations of tone and texture across the subject's face and clothing. The sitter is depicted in a classic oval frame, a common format for portraiture intended for inclusion in books or private collections.

The artist, Johan Antonie Kaldenbach, demonstrates a command of light and shadow, particularly in the rendering of the subject's cravat and the texture of his coat. The composition is restrained, focusing entirely on the profile view to capture the likeness of the sitter. Above the portrait, the print features handwritten inscriptions, which provide context regarding the subject's identity and professional role as a Conrector at the Latin School in Hoorn. Such inscriptions were typical for prints of this era, often serving as a record for historical archives or personal libraries.

This piece offers a clear example of early nineteenth-century Dutch printmaking. The stipple method, which relies on small dots rather than lines to build form, allows for a soft, painterly quality that distinguishes it from the sharper, more linear appearance of traditional copperplate engravings. The work remains a quiet, formal study of an individual, reflecting the aesthetic preferences of the time for clarity, order, and historical documentation. It is a fine example of the technical skill applied to portraiture during this period, suitable for those interested in Dutch history or the development of graphic arts.