Artwork
Portrait of Anthonie van der Hout

Portrait of Anthonie van der Hout is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman. It dates from 1826 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman painted a portrait of Anthonie van der Hout in 1826. Executed in oil on canvas, the work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The composition presents a single figure seated, rendered with a restrained palette that emphasizes the sitter’s features against a muted backdrop.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Anthonie van der Hout, appears in a dark coat complemented by a white cravat, his hair loosely curled. He rests one arm on a chair and holds a small object, suggesting a personal or professional attribute. The plain background focuses attention on his expression, hinting at a straightforward, perhaps modest, self‑presentation.
Technique & Style
Portman employs chiaroscuro, using a concentrated light source to illuminate the face while the surrounding shadows deepen the coat’s folds. This contrast creates a three‑dimensional effect, rendering the skin smooth and the fabric weighty. The limited color range and subtle red hint in the corner add a restrained tonal harmony typical of early‑19th‑century portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1826, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the original commission, though specific details of its acquisition by the museum are not extensively documented. The work reflects Portman’s activity within the Dutch artistic milieu of the period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman
Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman (1799–1868) was an artist, born in Amsterdam.
















