Adriaen Van Der Werff Collection
All products are expertly crafted, using premium materials, tailored to your specifications and promptly shipped
EDITORS COMMENTS
Adriaen van der Werff, a renowned Dutch painter of the 17th century, left an indelible mark on art history with his exquisite portraits and historical scenes. His talent for capturing the essence of his subjects is evident in the copperplate engravings by Pierre Drevet and Charles Simonneau that immortalize notable figures such as Thomas Fairfax, Lord Fairfax, and George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. In these engravings, we see Lord Fairfax clad in a suit of armor adorned with a delicate lace collar. The attention to detail is remarkable as every intricate pattern is faithfully reproduced. Similarly, Duke Buckingham's portrait showcases his opulence with pearl necklaces contrasting against his leather breastplate. Van der Werff also ventured into depicting royalty like James VI of Scotland and James I of England. These engravings portray them wearing elaborate lace ruff collars and regal attire befitting their status. The inclusion of putti assembling a coat of arms beneath a crown symbolizes their power and lineage. The artist's skill extends beyond portraiture to include historical events such as Sir Nicholas Bacon's engraving or depictions from Scottish history like James V and James IV. Each scene captures pivotal moments in time while maintaining Van der Werff's signature attention to detail. Even Queen Mary II of Great Britain finds herself immortalized through Van der Werff's artistry in an engraving from 1730. Her regal presence emanates from the page as her likeness is meticulously rendered. One cannot overlook King James II of England whose wig-clad head rests upon a lace kerchief while he proudly displays a chain featuring St. George slaying the dragon—a symbol synonymous with English heritage. A vignette accompanying this engraving depicts an emperor losing his crown to a soldier—an allegory perhaps hinting at political turmoil during King James' reign. Lastly, General George Monck stands resolute in his lace collar, jacket, and sash.
