Artwork
David Leeuw with his Family
David Leeuw with his Family is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel. It dates from 1671 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel’s oil painting, dated 1671, presents a domestic group portrait of seven figures. The composition is set within a modest interior illuminated by strong contrasts of light and shadow, which accentuate the faces and garments of each family member. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection in Amsterdam.
Subject & Meaning
The canvas portrays a multigenerational household, likely a merchant family, gathered together in a single pose. Children are shown with a music book, a lute, and a small dog, suggesting an emphasis on cultural refinement and familial affection. The inclusion of musical instruments and flowers may allude to harmony and prosperity within the household.
Technique & Style
Van den Tempel employs chiaroscuro to model the figures, using a single light source that creates deep shadows and highlights that define form. The clothing is rendered in fine detail, reflecting contemporary Dutch dress, while the background window opens onto a muted landscape, adding depth without distracting from the central group.
History & Provenance
Executed in the late Dutch Golden Age, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the 19th century, where it has been displayed as an example of familial portraiture of the period. Its provenance prior to museum ownership remains documented only in brief inventory records.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel
Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel (1622–1672) was an artist, born in Leeuwarden.
