Artwork

Portrait of Suzanna Maria Crommelin, Wife of Egbert Johannes Koch

Portrait of Suzanna Maria Crommelin, Wife of Egbert Johannes Koch is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Charles Howard Hodges. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Suzanna Maria Crommelin, Wife of Egbert Johannes Koch is an 1815 oil painting by Charles Howard Hodges, an English artist based in the Netherlands. The work is a portrait of Suzanna Maria Crommelin, highlighting her in a serene, domestic setting.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Suzanna Maria Crommelin, is depicted in a contemplative, everyday attire - a green dress, high white collar, simple necklace, and patterned shawl. Her hairstyle is neatly pulled back with framing curls. The composition focuses attention on her through a plain, dark background, emphasizing her gentle, introspective presence.

Technique & Style

Hodges employed soft coloration and subtle shadowing to achieve a calm, intimate ambiance, characteristic of the Biedermeier movement. The play of light on her face and collar further enhances the portrait's serene quality.

History & Provenance

Created in 1815, the painting is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, reflecting Hodges' contribution to Dutch portrait painting during his active period in the Netherlands.