Artwork
Portrait of Floris Gerritsz Overrijn van Schoterbosch (c. 1562-1618)
Portrait of Floris Gerritsz Overrijn van Schoterbosch (c. 1562-1618) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelis Engelsz.. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Cornelis Engelsz. painted this oil portrait in 1620, depicting Floris Gerritsz Overrijn van Schoterbosch (c. 1562–1618). The work is part of the Rijksmuseum collection and measures a modest size typical of early‑17th‑century Dutch portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is shown in formal attire: a dark fur‑trimmed coat, a white ruff, and a solemn expression that conveys status and gravitas. A red shield bearing an unfamiliar emblem rests at his side, hinting at a personal or familial heraldic identity.
Technique & Style
Engelsz. employs a restrained chiaroscuro, allowing the illuminated face and richly textured fabrics to emerge from a deep, muted background. The brushwork captures fine details such as the fur’s sheen and the delicate folds of the ruff, while the overall composition remains balanced and sober.
History & Provenance
Created shortly after the sitter’s death, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century. Its condition shows typical aging: darkened varnish and minor surface blemishes, yet the original pigments and details remain largely intact.
Context
The painting reflects the Dutch Republic’s early‑modern portrait tradition, where merchants and officials commissioned works to assert their social position. Engelsz., a pupil of Frans Hals, integrates the period’s emphasis on realistic likeness with a modest, dignified setting.
Artist & collection
