Bilder Colette van den Keere (1571–1629) – Portrait of Gerardus Mercator and Jodocus Hondius – Copperplate engraving (1613)

Beskrivning

This double portrait depicts two of the most significant figures in the history of cartography, Gerardus Mercator and Jodocus Hondius. The two men are shown seated at a table covered in green cloth, surrounded by the tools of their trade, including globes, dividers, and open atlases. Mercator, on the left, is portrayed as an elder scholar with a long white beard, while the younger Hondius appears on the right. Between them, a small map of the world in two hemispheres is visible. The scene is framed by an elaborate architectural border featuring an armillary sphere, celestial globes, and strapwork ornamentation. 

Colette van den Keere was a skilled Flemish engraver active in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age. She was the sister of the famous engraver Pieter van den Keere and the wife of Jodocus Hondius. Following the death of her husband in 1612, she played a vital role in maintaining the family's prestigious map-publishing business. This specific engraving was created for the 1613 edition of the Mercator-Hondius Atlas, serving as a commemorative tribute to the partnership that established the standard for world atlases. Her work is recognized for its fine detail and its importance in documenting the likenesses of these preeminent cartographers for future generations.

Artist or Maker:
Colette van den Keere.

Dimensions:
Approximately 48 cm x 57 cm.

Medium:
Copperplate engraving.

Date:
1613.

Condition Report:
This work is in good condition overall. There may be a few minor imperfections or fox or mottled marks to be expected with age. Please review the images carefully for condition details, and feel free to contact us with any questions or for a comprehensive condition report.