Artwork
Portrait of Cornelis Meijer, engineer
Portrait of Cornelis Meijer, engineer is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Abraham van den Hecken the Younger. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1650 by Abraham van den Hecken the Younger, this oil on canvas depicts Cornelis Meijer, identified as an engineer. The work belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is presented in a modest interior, wearing a dark coat with a white collar and holding an open book filled with sketches, suggesting his professional activity. A globe and scattered objects reinforce the theme of scientific inquiry and engineering.
Technique & Style
Van den Hecken employs a restrained chiaroscuro, using a dark background to emphasize the illuminated figure and the red patterned cloth on the lap. The brushwork is precise in the details of the book and globe, while the overall handling remains characteristic of mid‑17th‑century Dutch portraiture.
History & Provenance
The painting entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings in the 20th century, though earlier ownership records are limited. It has remained attributed to van den Hecken the Younger, whose oeuvre includes genre scenes, religious subjects, and still lifes alongside portraiture.
Context
During the mid‑1600s, Dutch society valued scientific and technical expertise, a sentiment reflected in Meijer’s portrayal. Portraits of engineers and scholars were less common than those of merchants, indicating the sitter’s elevated status within his professional community.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Abraham van den Hecken the Younger
Abraham van den Hecken or Abraham van den Hecken the Younger (Antwerp, 1616 - between 1655 and 1669) was a Dutch-Flemish painter. He is known for his genre pieces, religious and historical scenes, portraits and still lifes.
