inscribed ‘Jacobus Houbraken [...]/ 1698’ and signed and inscribed ‘J.M. Quinkhard pinxit 1748./ J. Houbraken sculpsit 1749.’ (in the plate)
engraving
31 x 22 cm (plate); 33.5 x 25.1 cm (sheet)
Muller 2594a [1], a very fine impression in very good and untreated condition, there is an unobtrusive tear in the lower left margin (not touching the subject)

The son of the artist biographer Arnold Houbraken, Jacob was one of the most prolific and gifted (portrait) engravers of his time. According to Immzerzeel, the artist was trained by his father, though his distinctive style also bears the influence of notable Flemish and French printmakers such as Robert Nanteuil and Gérard Edelinck. [2] Immerzeel furthermore praises Houbraken’s work with the burin, stating that his art is beyond all praise and reaches the zenith of engraving skill. [3] Amongst Houbraken’s most important engraved contributions to publications are those for De groote schouburgh der Nederlantsche konstschilders en schilderessen [...] (1718) written by his father; Jan Wagenaar’s De Vaderlandsche Historie (1749) and The Heads of Illustrious Persons of Great Britain by John and Paul Knapton (1747).
In addition to his engraving prowess, Houbraken was an auctioneer and an avid collector, reflecting the broader artistic pursuits of his contemporaries. This particularly charming engraving, after a painting by Jan Maurits Quinkhard, depicts Houbraken in his kunst kabinet, exuding a sense of relaxed confidence. He is portrayed leaning nonchalantly on a prints- and drawing folder, while holding what appears to be an engraving in his left hand.

That the artist built a substantial collection of paintings, prints and drawings is evidenced by the auction catalogue of his collection that appeared in the year following his death. Besides 65 paintings, the catalogue describes hundreds of drawings and thousands of prints. [4]

[1] F. Muller, Beschrijvende catalogus van 7000 portretten van Nederlanders en van buitenlanders, tot Nederland in betrekking staande [...], Amsterdam, 1853.
[2] C. Immerzeel, De levens en werken der Hollandsche en Vlaamsche kunstschilders, beeldhouwers, graveurs en bouwmeesters van het begin der vijftiende eeuw tot heden, Amsterdam, 1843, vol. 2, p. 58.
[3] C. Immerzeel, op. cit., p. 58.
[4] P. van der Schley et al., Amsterdam, 2 April 1781.