Artwork

Portrait of Griete Jacobsdr van Rhijn (1585-1652). Wife of Jacob Cornelisz Banjaert, called van Neck

Portrait of Griete Jacobsdr van Rhijn (1585-1652). Wife of Jacob Cornelisz Banjaert, called van Neck, by Cornelis Ketel, oil, 1605
Portrait of Griete Jacobsdr van Rhijn (1585-1652). Wife of Jacob Cornelisz Banjaert, called van Neck, by Cornelis Ketel, oil, 1605

Portrait of Griete Jacobsdr van Rhijn (1585-1652). Wife of Jacob Cornelisz Banjaert, called van Neck is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelis Ketel. It dates from 1605 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

This portrait, painted in 1605 by Cornelis Ketel, a versatile Dutch Mannerist artist, depicts Griete Jacobsdr van Rhijn, the wife of Jacob Cornelisz Banjaert (van Neck). Executed in oil, it exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age's artistic traits.

Subject & Meaning

Griete Jacobsdr van Rhijn is portrayed seated, adorned in attire indicative of upper-class status: a dark, intricately designed dress, a white ruffled collar, and a gold chain symbolizing wealth. Her composed demeanor and the careful rendering of details reflect her social standing.

Technique & Style

The painting utilizes chiaroscuro, contrasting light and dark to create depth. The dark background accentuates the subject's features, while the meticulous detail in her clothing and accessories underscores Ketel's skill as a portraitist.

History & Provenance

Created by Cornelis Ketel in 1605, the portrait is now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection. Ketel, active in Amsterdam until his death in 1616, was known not only for his portraits but also for his work as a poet, orator, and sculptor.

Context

As a work of the Dutch Golden Age, this portrait reflects the era's emphasis on realism and the growing interest in depicting the emerging middle and upper classes with precision and dignity.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of this portrait on art history are not widely highlighted, it contributes to the broader legacy of Dutch Mannerism and the detailed, realistic portraiture characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Cornelis Ketel

Artist

Cornelis Ketel

Cornelis or Cornelius Ketel (18 March 1548 – 8 August 1616) was a Dutch Mannerist painter, active in Elizabethan London from 1573 to 1581, and in Amsterdam till his death.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.