Joanna Koerten Blok

Joanna Koerten Blok

Rare book “Galerij van beroemde mannen en vrouwen” contains the illustration of Peter the Great (Peter de Grote) of Russia with Johanna Blok.

This Joanna Koerten- Blok (1650-1715) appears to be the most famous paper cutting artist of her time. And … She also cut the portrait of Peter the Great.

Koerten made many portraits, still lifes, biblical scenes, city-scapes and allegories. Only fifteen of her works have been preserved. These are now preserved in Museums and private collections. I cannot find if the portrait of Peter the Great is still with us. But if not, this illustration at least shows the contours of the paper portrait of Peter the Great for eternity.