Portret van Hendrick Goltzius, Hendrick Goltzius, Dutch

Since the 16th century, Dutch artists used prints to promote their art and access a wider public than what was possible for a single painting. During the Dutch Golden Age, (17th century), Dutch artists perfected the techniques of etching and engraving. The rise of printmaking in the Netherlands is attributed to a connection between Italy and the Netherlands during the 1500s. Together with the large-scale production, it allowed the expanding reach of an artist’s work. Prints were popular as collecting items, so publishing houses commissioned artists to create a drawing or a painting, and then print the work for collectors - similar to what occurs at publishing houses today. Dutch printmaking evolved rapidly, so in 16th-century etching prevailed over the engraving. Major Dutch Printmaker Artists: Hieronymus Bosch, Pieter Bruegel the Elder, Hendrick Goltzius, Rembrandt van Rijn, Anna Maria van Schurman, Adriaen Jansz van Ostade, Ferdinand Bol.

Hendrick Goltzius (1558-1617) was a Dutch graphic artist and painter. He was born in Bracht, Germany, but spent most of his life in the Netherlands. Goltzius is best known for his engravings, which are highly detailed and often depict mythological or biblical subjects. He was also a successful painter, producing portraits, landscapes and historical scenes. Goltzius was a leading figure in the Dutch Mannerist movement, which emphasised elegance and refinement in art. His work was a major influence on later artists, including Rembrandt and Rubens.