Artwork
Portrait of Cornelis Cornelisz van Esch
Portrait of Cornelis Cornelisz van Esch is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1632 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of Cornelis Cornelisz van Esch is a 1632 copper painting by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, a Dutch artist known for Italianate landscapes with small figures. This work, however, deviates from his typical genre, presenting a focused portrait of a young child.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is a light-haired, presumably young Cornelis Cornelisz van Esch, depicted in contemporary attire with a white lace collar and patterned dress. The child's calm yet curious expression and clasped hands convey a sense of youthful innocence.
Technique & Style
Executed on copper, the painting benefits from the medium's warm glow. Poelenburgh employed soft, nuanced chiaroscuro to accentuate the textures of the lace and fabric, drawing the viewer's attention to the subject's face and attire against a plain, dark background.
History & Provenance
Created in 1632, the portrait is part of the Dutch Golden Age collection at the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.
Artist & collection
Artist
Cornelis van Poelenburgh or Cornelis van Poelenburch (1594 – 12 August 1667), was a Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman.
