Artwork
Portrait of Barend Goudriaan Ariesz.
Portrait of Barend Goudriaan Ariesz. is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Cornelis van Cuylenburgh. It dates from 1788 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of Barend Goudriaan Ariesz is an 18th-century oil painting by Cornelis van Cuylenburgh, executed in 1788. The work is a portrait of its namesake, Barend Goudriaan Ariesz, and is part of the collection at the Rijksmuseum.
Subject & Meaning
The painting portrays Barend Goudriaan Ariesz in a state of focused concentration, seated at a desk with a pointed tool in hand, suggesting engagement in a creative or intellectual pursuit. His attire, consisting of dark clothing contrasted with a white shirt and cravat, implies a professional or artistic occupation.
Technique & Style
Van Cuylenburgh utilized oil paint to capture the nuances of Ariesz's expression and the textures of his clothing and surroundings. The composition features a simple, muted background—a brown wall with a curtain—allowing the subject to remain the central focus. The artist's attention to detail is evident in the rendering of the subject's hands and the implied activity.
History & Provenance
Created in 1788, the portrait is attributed to Cornelis van Cuylenburgh. It is currently housed at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, as part of its permanent collection.
Context
The portrait reflects the late 18th-century European tradition of depicting individuals in settings that highlighted their professions or personal characteristics, often in subdued, naturalistic environments.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis van Cuylenburgh (1758–1827) was an artist, born in Utrecht.
