Artwork
Portrait of Nicolaes van der Borght. Merchant of Antwerp
Portrait of Nicolaes van der Borght. Merchant of Antwerp is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Andries van Eertvelt. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Andries van Eertvelt, a Flemish painter active in the early 17th century, executed this oil on canvas portrait in 1630. The work presents Nicolaes van der Borght, a merchant from Antwerp, positioned on a balcony and gesturing toward the left. It is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the Flemish Baroque style.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Nicolaes van der Borght, is shown in formal attire—a black coat with a white ruffled collar and cuffs—signifying his status as a prosperous merchant. His hand points outward, perhaps indicating a reference to trade routes or a specific commercial venture, while the surrounding maritime elements reinforce his connection to commerce.
Technique & Style
Van Eertvelt employs a restrained palette of deep blacks, whites, and muted earth tones, contrasting with the bright yellow flag and blue emblem that punctuate the composition. The brushwork is smooth in the figure’s clothing, while the distant ships and water are rendered with looser, atmospheric strokes typical of Flemish Baroque maritime scenes.
History & Provenance
Created in 1630, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its presence in a national collection reflects the museum’s interest in documenting the commercial elite of the Dutch Golden Age.
Context
During the early 1600s Antwerp was a major hub of international trade, and merchants like van der Borght played a pivotal role in the city’s economy. Van Eertvelt, better known for seascapes, incorporated his knowledge of ships and harbors into this portrait, linking the sitter’s personal identity to the broader maritime world.
Artist & collection
Artist
Andries van Eertvelt (1590–1652), was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and engraver who was one of the first Flemish artists to specialize in marine art. Several of his pupils also became prominent marine artists.
