Artwork

Portrait of Magdalena van Citters, Wife of Adriaen Isaac Hurgronje

Portrait of Magdalena van Citters, Wife of Adriaen Isaac Hurgronje, by Unknown, unspecified, 1760
Portrait of Magdalena van Citters, Wife of Adriaen Isaac Hurgronje, by Unknown, unspecified, 1760

Portrait of Magdalena van Citters, Wife of Adriaen Isaac Hurgronje is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Magdalena van Citters, Wife of Adriaen Isaac Hurgronje is a portrait painting depicting Magdalena van Citters (1737-1807) in a serene outdoor setting. The subject is seated, dressed in blue, with a fan in hand, accompanied by floral elements and a table with a flower basket.

Subject & Meaning

The painting showcases Magdalena van Citters, highlighting her through symbols of elegance (fan, floral arrangements) and family lineage. The inclusion of family crests on the reverse emphasizes her lineage, a practice among wealthy Dutch families to display status and heritage.

Technique & Style

Executed as a kniestuk (knee-length portrait), the work combines interior and exterior elements, characteristic of Dutch portrait traditions. The artist's use of color, particularly the dominant blue of the subject's dress, and the juxtaposition of natural elements (roses, outdoor setting) with man-made objects (table, basket), reflects a blend of realism and compositional harmony.

History & Provenance

The painting bears an inscription and the number 53 on its reverse, alongside the family coat of arms and those of her eight ancestors. While specific details of its creation and early ownership are not provided, these elements suggest it was commissioned to celebrate Magdalena's family connections and status.

Context

Created within the Dutch cultural context where family lineage and wealth were prominently displayed through art, this portrait aligns with the tradition of using visual arts to signify social standing. The outdoor setting with carefully chosen accessories further reflects the subject's refined taste and the artist's adherence to contemporary portrait conventions.

Legacy

Now part of a broader collection of Dutch portraits, this work contributes to the understanding of 18th-century Dutch social customs and artistic practices. Its presence in collections like that suggested by the reference to the Rijksmuseum indicates its value in illustrating the era's portraiture and familial heritage displays.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.