Abraham Delfos

Abraham Delfos was an artist known for his graphic works, documented as active in 1741. His verifiable oeuvre consists of drawings and prints, demonstrating proficiency in both allegorical compositions and genre scenes characteristic of the mid-eighteenth century.

A total of fifteen works attributed to Delfos are preserved in institutional collections, establishing his legacy primarily through graphic media. These holdings include eight drawings and seven prints. The substantial body of work is notably housed at the Rijksmuseum, confirming his representation within major European collections. These museum-quality works provide valuable insight into 18th-century artistic concerns.

Delfos’s subjects encompass two distinct thematic areas. Allegorical compositions, such as Allegorie op kunsten en wetenschappen met vier putti and Allegorie op vrede met drie putti in cartouche, utilize classical motifs and narrative structures. In contrast, genre works like De Kaartspelers and the detailed study De Spinster focus on the accurate depiction of domestic activities and everyday life. Today, many of the graphic works by the artist are available as high-quality prints, allowing researchers and collectors access to Abraham Delfos prints originally held in institutional collections.