Portrait of Nicolaas Rockox

Nicolaas Rockox (1560-1640) was the burgomaster (mayor) of Antwerp. His fame is largely attributed to his friendship to Rubens and the commissions he gave to this artist. His 17th-century patrician is housing a fine collection of Flemish art.

Anthony Van Dyck, like Rubens, also collaborated with engravers. Two of his portraits of Rockox were engraved by Lucas Vorsterman and his pupil Paulus Pontius. Vorsterman based his portraits on a painting by Van Dyck portraying Rockox at the age of 65, as a humanist, antiquarian and numismatist. The Latin verses under the print are by Gevartius, and pay tribute to Rockox on his appointment as Burgomaster for a ninth term of office.