A detailed mezzotint portrait of the sculptor Pieter van der Plas (II), captured by Pieter Schenk after a painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller.

This mezzotint by the Dutch engraver Pieter Schenk depicts the sculptor Pieter van der Plas (II). The composition is based on an original painting by Sir Godfrey Kneller, as indicated by the inscription G. Kneller pinx. The subject is presented in a three-quarter view, wearing the elaborate periwig characteristic of the late seventeenth century. His attire consists of a silk coat with ruffled cuffs, reflecting the fashion of the period.

Van der Plas is shown with a pair of dividers in his hand, which he uses to measure a classical bust. This inclusion of tools is a common convention in portraiture of the era, intended to identify the sitter by their profession. The bust itself suggests a connection to classical antiquity, a frequent reference point for sculptors of the time. The lighting is dramatic, typical of the mezzotint technique, which allows for smooth transitions between light and shadow. This creates a sense of volume in the drapery and the facial features of the sculptor.

Pieter Schenk was a prolific publisher and engraver based in Amsterdam. His work often involved reproducing paintings by contemporary masters, making these images accessible to a wider audience. The technical execution of this print demonstrates the capabilities of the mezzotint process, which was favoured for its ability to replicate the tonal qualities of oil paintings. The inscription at the base identifies the sitter as Petrus van der Plass, a sculptor from Amsterdam, and refers to him as a major figure in his field. This print provides a clear view of the professional identity and social standing of a sculptor in the Dutch Republic at the turn of the eighteenth century. The dark background ensures that the focus remains entirely on the figure and his interaction with the sculpted head.