Artwork
Portrait of Pieter Cornelis Hasselaer (1720–1797) and his Children
Portrait of Pieter Cornelis Hasselaer (1720–1797) and his Children is an oil painting by George van der Mijn. It dates from 1763 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
There's a big mirror on the right side of the painting, and it's reflecting one of the children.
This painting shows a group of people in old-fashioned clothing. There are four children and three adults. They are all dressed up, with fancy clothes and hairstyles. The adults are sitting down, and the children are standing or kneeling around them.
The people are all looking at us, and they seem serious. The room they're in has a red carpet and green walls. There's a big mirror on the right side of the painting, and it's reflecting one of the children. The painting is very detailed, with lots of textures and colors.
The painting is a portrait of Pieter Cornelis Hasselaer and his children. It was made by George van der Mijn in 1763. You can see more of George van der Mijn's work at the Rijksmuseum.
Overview
George van der Mijn’s 1763 oil painting presents Pieter Cornelis Hasselaer, a Dutch merchant of the eighteenth century, together with his offspring. Executed for a private commission, the work now belongs to the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it exemplifies the domestic portraiture typical of the period.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on Hasselaer, seated with his wife, while four children surround them in various poses. Their direct gazes and formal attire convey familial authority and social standing, reflecting the era’s emphasis on lineage and the patriarch’s role within the household.
Technique & Style
Van der Mijn employs a polished brushwork that captures the sheen of silk, the texture of fur trims, and the subtle play of light on polished surfaces. A deep‑red carpet and green‑hued walls frame the figures, while a mirrored surface on the right side reflects a child, adding depth and a subtle narrative device.
History & Provenance
Completed in 1763, the portrait remained in the Hasselaer family for several generations before entering the public domain. It was acquired by the Rijksmuseum in the twentieth century, where it has been displayed as part of the museum’s holdings of Dutch portraiture.
Context
The work belongs to a broader tradition of Dutch family portraiture that flourished in the mid‑1700s, a time when affluent merchants commissioned group portraits to assert their status. Van der Mijn, active in The Hague, was known for his ability to render luxurious fabrics and convey the dignified poise of his sitters.
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Artist & collection
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