Utrecht – Hendrick Verstraelen after Joost Cornelisz. Droochsloot, 1642
€13.500
SPECTACULAIR VIEW OF UTRECHT FROM THE WEST
“Utrecht”, copper engraving by Hendrick Verstraelen after a design by the Utrecht artist Joost Cornelisz. Droochsloot, published by Franciscus Hoeius. Printed with privilege on four sheets in 1642. Second state of two. Size (print): approx. 40 × 216 cm; (frame): 55 × 229 cm.
This panoramic view captures the silhouette of seventeenth-century Utrecht, characterized by its densely built cityscape and multitude of towers. The imposing Dom Tower — still a dominant feature of the city today — stands as a proud symbol of civic identity and grandeur.
The medieval city wall, complete with defensive towers, is prominently depicted. In the north, the Plompetoren (demolished in 1832) can be seen; to the south, the Smeetoren (demolished in 1855) and the Bijlhouwerstoren (demolished in 1872). Windmills were strategically positioned atop the walls to harness the prevailing winds. Within the fortifications, from north to south (left to right), notable landmarks include the Jacobikerk, Janskerk, the city hall tower, Pieterskerk, the Dom Tower, Buurkerk, the Bisschopshof (demolished in 1803), the Hieronymus Chapel (demolished in 1885), St. Paul’s Abbey, Mariakerk (demolished 1813–1816), St. Catherine’s Cathedral, the chapel of the St. Ursula Convent, the Weeskerk (formerly the Regulierenklooster, demolished in 1864), Geertekerk, Nicolaaskerk, and the Nicolaïklooster.
Approximately thirty years after the publication of this engraving, Droochsloot made a large painting of nearly identical composition, now housed in the Centraal Museum, Utrecht.
Joost Cornelisz. Droochsloot (1586–1666) received his artistic training in Utrecht. His style suggests possible influences from travels in the
Southern Netherlands. He was admitted as a master to the Utrecht Guild of Saint Luke in 1616, serving as its dean in 1623 and 1644. In 1638, he also held the position of Regent of Hiob’s Hospice. Droochsloot is known for his depictions of peasant festivities as well as Biblical and historical scenes. His work reflects the influence of Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Younger, as well as David Vinckboons.
In a charming detail, Droochsloot portrayed himself within the scene. In the foreground, slightly left of center, he is depicted seated with a pupil on the balustrade of a bridge over the winding Oude Rijn, sketching the cityscape that would later serve as the basis for this engraving. The original drawing is now lost. Only approximately 10 to 15 examples of this rare engraving are known to survive.
Literature:
- Hollstein “Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts ca. 1450 – 1700”, XXXII, p. 168-169
- Wurzbach “Niederländisches Künstler-Lexikon” II, 784
- Thieme-Becker XXXIV, 303
Price: Euro 13.500,- (incl. frame)
