Who painted Portrait of Cornelis van Poelenburgh?

Portrait of Cornelis van Poelenburgh was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Portrait of Cornelis van Poelenburgh?

Portrait of Cornelis van Poelenburgh is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Portrait of Cornelis van Poelenburgh

Portrait of Cornelis van Poelenburgh is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The work is a mid‑17th‑century portrait of the Dutch painter Cornelis van Poelenburgh, executed around 1650.

About this work

Overview

The work is a mid‑17th‑century portrait of the Dutch painter Cornelis van Poelenburgh, executed around 1650. Rendered in monochrome, the image is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. Its composition focuses on a single figure against an unadorned dark backdrop, allowing the sitter’s features to dominate the visual field.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is depicted with tightly curled hair, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a white ruff collar beneath a dark coat. His right hand rests lightly on his chest, a pose that conveys a quiet self‑assurance. The portrait likely served to affirm van Poelenburgh’s professional identity and social standing within the artistic community of his time.

Technique & Style

The artist employs chiaroscuro, using stark contrasts of light and shadow to model the face. Illuminated cheekbones and a subtly highlighted collarbone emerge from surrounding darkness, giving the portrait a three‑dimensional quality. The limited palette and restrained background emphasize the sculptural treatment of the figure.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1650, the portrait entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its presence in the museum’s collection reflects the institution’s broader interest in documenting cultural figures beyond its primary ethnographic focus, preserving a visual record of a notable Dutch artist.