Artwork
Portrait of Captain Nicholas Burgh

Portrait of Captain Nicholas Burgh is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelis de Neve. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.
About this work
This portrait depicts a man with long, curly blonde hair and a mustache, wearing a black coat with a red lining and a white collar.
This portrait depicts a man with long, curly blonde hair and a mustache, wearing a black coat with a red lining and a white collar. A gold brooch adorns his coat, and a red and white shield is visible on his left shoulder.
The subject's attire suggests a formal or ceremonial setting, possibly from the 17th century. The artist's use of oil paint creates a sense of depth and texture in the image.
To learn more about the artistic techniques used in this painting, explore the glazing method, which involves applying multiple thin layers of transparent paint to achieve a sense of luminosity and depth.
Overview
The Portrait of Captain Nicholas Burgh is a 17th-century oil painting attributed to Cornelis de Neve, a Flemish artist active in England. Created around 1650, it is now part of the Ashmolean Museum's collection.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts Captain Nicholas Burgh, likely a military or maritime figure, dressed in formal attire with a black coat, white collar, and red lining. A gold brooch and a red and white shield on his shoulder suggest ceremonial or symbolic significance.
Technique & Style
De Neve's use of oil paint achieves a detailed, realistic representation of Captain Burgh. The application of multiple layers of paint creates a sense of depth and texture, characteristic of 17th-century portraiture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis de Neve or Cornelius de Neve (1602 and 1622 – c. 1678) was a Flemish painter who worked for a long period in England as a portrait artist.












