1807 - χαρακτική μετά τον Gerard ter Borch II (1617–1681) - 53 cm

Engraving after Gerard ter Borch II (1617–1681)

Period: Printed circa 1807, early 19th century
Medium: Engraving on heavy wove paper
Dimensions: Sheet approx. 553 × 412 mm; image approx. 232 × 176 mm
Condition: Excellent condition with minimal signs of age
Collection number: 284

Subject

The scene depicts a trumpeter in an interior. To the left, the figure stands in full attire, holding his trumpet and wearing a cloak, beside a dog that looks up at him. To the right, an officer is seated at a table covered with a carpet, absorbed in writing documents. The background features heavy wall hangings and a monumental fireplace. The composition is carefully structured, with refined attention to posture, the textures and folds of the clothing, and the interaction between the two principal figures.

The scene reflects the 17th-century pictorial tradition in which military rank, order and discipline were represented in a restrained and composed manner. Within this context, the trumpeter served as a bearer of orders and a representative of ceremonial authority. The dog functions as a traditional symbol of loyalty and vigilance. The interaction between the writer and the messenger refers to the military administrative system of the Dutch Republic, in which record-keeping and the transmission of orders played a central role.

This large-format print belongs to one of the most exclusive categories of engraving produced in its period. Its scale and technical quality were generally reserved for prints belonging to the higher echelons of the graphic arts. The execution demonstrates meticulous linework, a balanced development of tone and a precise interpretation of the original design.

Design by the Artist

Gerard ter Borch II (1617–1681) was a leading master of Dutch genre painting. His work is characterised by his precise rendering of fabrics and materials, controlled use of light and subtle treatment of human interaction. He worked in Münster, Deventer and Amsterdam and ranks among the most influential painters of the Dutch Golden Age.

Engraved by the Master Engraver

John Burnet (1784–1868) was a Scottish printmaker active in London, renowned for his technically refined and clearly structured engravings. He frequently worked on high-quality fine-art prints in which precision of line and tonal gradation were of central importance. His engravings are regarded as fine examples of early 19th-century printmaking.

Provenance

This early 19th-century engraving after Gerard ter Borch II was acquired in 2005 from the carefully assembled private collection of J. van Calker, a collector from Overijssel who specialised in historical prints of museum quality. He acquired the work between 1994 and 1998 through the renowned Hessink’s Fine Art Auctioneers in Zwolle. Prior to this, the print formed part of an international private collection, with no further documented provenance.