Artwork

Portrait of Ernest de Beveren, Lord of West-IJsselmonde and De Lindt

Portrait of Ernest de Beveren, Lord of West-IJsselmonde and De Lindt is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Arent de Gelder. It dates from 1685 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

This portrait was painted in 1685, but the clothes look older—like something from 150 years earlier.

A young man in a velvet cape and lace collar stares straight at you. His face is half-lit, half in shadow. The background is dark and simple.

This portrait was painted in 1685, but the clothes look older—like something from 150 years earlier. The artist copied Rembrandt’s style: thick paint and strong light-and-dark contrasts. The brushstrokes are loose, almost messy in places.

To see more paintings like this, visit the Rijksmuseum.

Overview

Portrait of Ernest de Beveren depicts a 25-year-old nobleman, the last of Dordrecht's esteemed de Beveren family, in a portrait characterized by dramatic lighting and expressive brushwork.

Subject & Meaning

Ernest de Beveren, Lord of West-IJsselmonde and De Lindt, is portrayed in a deliberately anachronistic, historicizing costume, evoking a bygone era despite the 1685 creation date.

Technique & Style

The painting exhibits loose, expressive brushstrokes and scrape marks from the brush handle, alongside pronounced chiaroscuro, all influenced by Rembrandt's technique.

History & Provenance

Created in 1685 by De Gelder, the portrait's provenance is not detailed here, though it is known to be part of a collection accessible to the public.

Context

The work reflects 17th-century Dutch artistic trends, with De Gelder emulating Rembrandt's style, while the sitter's attire nods to the 16th century, highlighting a blend of contemporary artistry and nostalgic fashion choice.

Legacy

As part of the Dutch Golden Age's artistic heritage, the portrait contributes to the understanding of late 17th-century portraiture techniques and the enduring influence of Rembrandt on his contemporaries.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Arent de Gelder

Aert de Gelder (Dutch: ; October 26, 1645 – August 27, 1727) was a Dutch painter, the only Dutch artist to paint in the tradition of Rembrandt's late style into the 18th century.