Artwork
Elisabeth van Kessel (1640-1717). Wife of Willem Jacobsz Baert
Elisabeth van Kessel (1640-1717). Wife of Willem Jacobsz Baert is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Caesar van Everdingen. It dates from 1671 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
This 1671 oil painting by Caesar van Everdingen depicts Elisabeth van Kessel, the wife of Willem Jacobsz Baert. It is a representative work of the Dutch Golden Age portrait tradition.
Subject & Meaning
The subject, Elisabeth van Kessel, is shown wearing formal attire, including a black dress with white lace trim, against a dark background. She holds a small object in her right hand, though its significance is not specified.
Technique & Style
The painting employs chiaroscuro, a lighting technique that creates strong contrasts between light and dark. Soft light illuminates Van Kessel's face and clothing, while the dark background accentuates the white lace details on her collar and cuffs.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Cesar Pietersz, or Cesar Boetius van Everdingen (1616/17 – buried 13 October 1678), older brother of Allart van Everdingen and Jan van Everdingen, was a Dutch Golden Age portrait and history painter.
