Artwork
Cornelis van Aerssen (1600-62), lord of Sommelsdijk. Colonel of cavalry
Cornelis van Aerssen (1600-62), lord of Sommelsdijk. Colonel of cavalry is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Adriaen Hanneman. It dates from 1658 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This 1658 oil portrait, now in the Rijksmuseum, presents Cornelis van Aerssen, lord of Sommelsdijk and cavalry colonel.
About this work
Overview
This 1658 oil portrait, now in the Rijksmuseum, presents Cornelis van Aerssen, lord of Sommelsdijk and cavalry colonel. Executed during the Dutch Golden Age, the work records a high‑ranking Dutch nobleman in a formal, martial pose.
Subject & Meaning
Van Aerssen is shown in full armor, his long curls framing a white ruffled collar and a black hat. He holds a staff in his right hand while his left rests on a ledge, conveying confidence and authority. A heraldic shield in the upper left corner reinforces his noble status.
Technique & Style
The painter employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated areas of the figure with a dark, atmospheric background that includes a solitary tree and a brooding sky. This handling of light and shade, together with a refined, courtly rendering of the sitter, reflects the influence of Anthony van Dyck on Dutch portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created by Adriaen Hanneman, a Dutch portraitist noted for his work with the exiled British court, the painting entered the Rijksmuseum collection in the 20th century. Its documentation traces back to the artist’s workshop records and later museum acquisition files.
Context
The portrait belongs to a period when Dutch elites commissioned works that emphasized martial virtue and aristocratic lineage. Hanneman’s connections to both Dutch and English patrons allowed him to blend local portrait conventions with the elegant, Van Dyck‑inspired style popular among European courts.
Artist & collection
Artist
Adriaen Hanneman (c. 1603 – buried 11 July 1671) was a Dutch Golden Age painter best known for his portraits of the exiled British royal court. His style was strongly influenced by his contemporary, Anthony van Dyck.
