Original 18th-Century Copperplate Engraving of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp | Mayor of Amsterdam

Imagine walking through the streets of Golden Age Amsterdam.

Merchants from all corners of the world fill the canals, ships come and go, and the city grows into one of the world's most powerful commercial centers. Behind this growth are administrators, scholars, and physicians who helped shape the Amsterdam we know today.

One of those men was Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.

This original engraving brings you face to face with one of the most famous Amsterdammers in Dutch history, a man whose name is still known worldwide centuries later thanks to Rembrandt's masterpiece The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp.

What is it?

You are looking at an original antique copperplate engraving featuring a portrait of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp (1593-1674), mayor of Amsterdam, physician, and administrator during the Dutch Golden Age.

The portrait shows Tulp in a classic oval frame, dressed in 17th-century fashion. Below the portrait, his name and title are listed:

"Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, Mayor and Councillor of the City of Amsterdam."

The engraving is printed on handmade paper and still has clear plate marks, which are characteristic of old copperplate engravings.

Paper dimensions: approximately 24.5 x 15.5 cm.

What makes this engraving special is the detailed provenance information below the image. It shows that the artist Hendrik Pothoven drew the portrait from an original painting that was at the time part of the collection of the Amsterdam regent family Witsen. The inscription "Rembrandt pinxit" refers to the belief that the original portrait was painted by Rembrandt. This makes this engraving an interesting art-historical link between Rembrandt, Nicolaes Tulp, and the Amsterdam elite of the Golden Age.

Historical context

Nicolaes Tulp is one of Amsterdam's best-known historical figures.

Although he is primarily known today from Rembrandt's world-famous 1632 painting The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, he was much more than just a physician. Tulp served several times as mayor of Amsterdam and played an important role in the city's administration during its economic heyday.

He was involved in medical innovation, city government, trade, and science. In this way, he perfectly represents the combination of knowledge, entrepreneurship, and administrative influence that characterized the Dutch Golden Age.

This engraving was made long after Tulp's time as a tribute to one of the most influential citizens in Amsterdam's history. Portrait engravings like this were collected by enthusiasts of history, science, and famous Dutch figures.

Features

• Original antique copperplate engraving
• Depiction of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp
• Handmade paper
• Beautifully visible plate marks
• Historical figure from the Dutch Golden Age
• Connection to Rembrandt's famous anatomy lesson
• Paper dimensions: 24.5 x 15.5 cm
• Decorative and historical collectible

Condition

The engraving is in antique condition.

The paper shows slight signs of age, minor edge damage, and natural discoloration appropriate to its age. However, the image itself has been well preserved and still has a sharp print quality.

These very signs of age contribute to the piece's authentic character.

Where does this engraving look its best?

This engraving fits beautifully in a study, library, office, or interior where history takes center stage.

It is also a special object for collectors of Amsterdam history, medical history, old prints, or works related to Rembrandt and the Dutch Golden Age.

Once framed, it becomes a stylish piece of historical art that is sure to be a conversation starter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Who exactly was Nicolaes Tulp?

Nicolaes Tulp was an Amsterdam physician, administrator, and several-time mayor of Amsterdam. He lived from 1593 to 1674 and is considered one of the most famous scholars of the Dutch Golden Age.

Does this Nicolaes Tulp have anything to do with Rembrandt?

Yes. Nicolaes Tulp is the man at the center of Rembrandt's famous painting The Anatomy Lesson of Dr. Nicolaes Tulp, one of the best-known artworks in Dutch history.

Is this an original old engraving?

Yes. This is an original antique copperplate engraving printed on handmade paper. Features such as the visible plate marks and the texture of the paper indicate an authentic old print.

What are the visible edges around the image?

These are the so-called plate marks. They are created when damp paper is pressed against the inked copper plate under high pressure. For collectors, this is an important sign of authenticity.

Is the engraving suitable for reframing?

Absolutely. Thanks to its manageable size of approximately 24.5 x 15.5 cm, this engraving is perfectly suited for a new acid-free mat and frame, allowing the historical portrait to be showcased even better.

Why does it say "Rembrandt pinxit" on the engraving?

The Latin term pinxit means "painted it". The inscription indicates that the depicted portrait is based on an original painting by Rembrandt. For collectors, this is an interesting art-historical detail that reveals the connection between the engraving and one of the Netherlands' most famous artists.