Nicolaas Verkolje (April 11, 1673 – January 21, 1746) was a Dutch painter and mezzotint engraver, renowned for his refined and elegant style. He was born in Delft and likely received his first painting lessons from his father, the painter and engraver Jan Verkolje. After completing his training, he moved to Amsterdam in 1700, where he lived and worked for the rest of his life.During his lifetime, Verkolje was highly praised as a great master and an exceptional draughtsman. Art biographers such as Arnold Houbraken and Jan van Gool lauded his talent. He became known as the velvet-handed painter for his extraordinary refinement and precision. His relentless pursuit of perfection meant that his body of work was not extensive, but approximately one hundred of his paintings have been preserved, including portraits, history painting and genre scenes. Additionally, dozens of his drawings and prints have also survived.

 

Verkolje himself claimed that he could paint animals as well as Paulus Potter, water as well as Willem van de Velde, and flowers as well as Jan van Huysum. His style reflects influences from artists such as Antoine Coypel, Gérard de Lairesse, Godfried Schalcken, Gerard Dou, and Adriaen van der Werff. His works can be found in major museums, including the Louvre in Paris and the Hermitage in Saint Petersburg. In addition to painting, Verkolje was a master of the mezzotint technique, which he used to reproduce his own compositions. He also played a role in educating the next generation of Dutch artists, with students such as Jan Matthias Kok, Jan Maurits Quinkhard, Arnout Rentinck, and Gerrit Zegelaar. Nicolaas Verkolje passed away in Amsterdam at the age of 73. His paintings and prints continue to be admired for their technical perfection and narrative depth.

 

The present work, a small yet higly refined drawing depicting the portrait bust of a man surrounded by military trophies and the goddess Athena, was probably made in preparation for a print.