Who painted Hendrick van Westerhout?

Hendrick van Westerhout was painted by Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel in 1653.

Where can I see Hendrick van Westerhout?

Hendrick van Westerhout is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Hendrick van Westerhout?

Hendrick van Westerhout is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Hendrick van Westerhout?

Museum-quality prints of Hendrick van Westerhout are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Hendrick van Westerhout

Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel , 1653

Hendrick van Westerhout is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

The work is a mid‑17th‑century oil portrait executed in 1653 by the Dutch painter Abraham Lambertsz van den Tempel. It portrays Hendrick van Westerhout, a gentleman whose likeness is rendered with careful attention to facial detail and attire. The painting is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it is displayed among other Dutch Baroque works.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown with a trimmed mustache and long, wavy blond hair, dressed in a black jacket trimmed with a white collar and a dark, tasselled tie. His posture and steady gaze suggest a composed, introspective character, reflecting the period’s emphasis on personal dignity and the social status of the merchant or professional class.

Technique & Style

Van den Tempel employs a restrained palette of deep blacks, muted whites, and subtle flesh tones, allowing the subject’s features to emerge from a smooth, almost velvety background. Fine brushwork defines the hair and facial expression, while broader strokes model the fabric, creating a balance between realism and the idealised poise typical of Dutch portraiture of the 1650s.

History & Provenance

Since its creation, the portrait has remained in the public domain, eventually entering the holdings of Berlin’s Gemäldegalerie. The museum acquired the piece as part of its 19th‑century efforts to assemble a representative collection of Dutch Golden Age paintings, ensuring its preservation and accessibility to scholars and visitors alike.