Jacob Gole
Jacob Gole was a printmaker active during the 1660s and 1670s. His known body of work consists entirely of prints, situating him within the European tradition of graphic arts during the latter half of the 17th century. While specific biographical details are limited, his output suggests an artist engaged with both genre scenes and contemporary social commentary.
Fifteen of Jacob Gole's prints are represented in international museum collections, establishing his presence as a figure of historical note. His subject matter includes detailed genre studies, such as Boerengezin (Peasant Family) and Boer en een vrouw (Farmer and a Woman), alongside the observed domestic scene The Conversation.
Gole also executed works focused on satire and allegory, notably the political critique Caricatures of the French clergy under Louis XIV and the piece titled Afgunst (Envy). These diverse subjects confirm Gole’s versatility in utilizing the print medium. Today, Jacob Gole prints are preserved in major public institutions, including the National Gallery of Art and the Rijksmuseum. Much of this historical material is now in the public domain, allowing for the widespread availability of high-quality prints for scholarly research and display.
