Who painted Untitled?

Untitled was painted by David Pièrre Giottino Humbert de Superville in 1815.

Where can I see Untitled?

Untitled is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Untitled?

Untitled is associated with Biedermeier.

Artwork

Untitled

David Pièrre Giottino Humbert de Superville , 1815

Untitled is an unspecified painting by the Biedermeier artist David Pièrre Giottino Humbert de Superville. It dates from 1815 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

This portrait was made in 1815, the same year the Netherlands got its first constitution.

You see a man in a dark coat sitting at a desk, quill in hand, papers spread around him.

This portrait was made in 1815, the same year the Netherlands got its first constitution. The man, Joan Kemper, helped write it. The painting feels quiet, like a pause in a busy life. No one knows who painted it or what medium they used.

If you like portraits of thinkers, visit the Rijksmuseum to see more like this.

Overview

The portrait, dated around 1815, depicts Joan Melchior Kemper, a Dutch jurist and political figure, seated at a desk with a quill and scattered papers. Dressed in a dark coat, he appears absorbed in his work, reflecting his role in drafting the nation’s first constitution following the restoration of Prince William as sovereign.

Subject & Meaning

Kemper was instrumental in authoring the proclamation that introduced Prince William of Orange as William I and promised a constitutional framework guaranteeing civil liberties. As a professor, he mentored future statesmen and later served in the Lower House, symbolising his influence on Dutch political development.

Technique & Style

The work presents a restrained composition, focusing on the sitter’s contemplative pose and the scholarly setting. The subdued palette and careful rendering of textures convey a sense of quiet authority, typical of early‑19th‑century portraiture that emphasizes intellectual gravitas over decorative flourish.

History & Provenance

Created by D.P.G. Humbert de Superville, a close friend of Kemper, the painting reflects their personal connection; Humbert taught Kemper’s daughters drawing and benefited from Kemper’s support in securing a university lecturing position in 1814. Kemper’s decorations include the insignia of the Order of the Dutch Lion, established in 1815.

Context

The portrait emerged at a pivotal moment when the Netherlands adopted its first constitution, marking a transition toward constitutional monarchy. Kemper’s involvement in drafting the proclamation and his subsequent political career situate the work within the broader narrative of nation‑building after the Napoleonic era.