Artwork

Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand (1735-1806), Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg

Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand (1735-1806), Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg, by Gerrit Kamphuysen, ivory, 1763
Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand (1735-1806), Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg, by Gerrit Kamphuysen, ivory, 1763

Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand (1735-1806), Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg is an ivory painting by the Rococo painting artist Gerrit Kamphuysen. It dates from 1763 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This small oval portrait, carved in ivory, depicts Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg.

About this work

The background is a plain greenish color, and the whole image is framed in dark wood with a metal loop on top.

This small oval portrait shows a man in a dark blue coat with white fur trim and a star pin on his chest. His pale face has a slight smile, and he wears a black cravat. The background is a plain greenish color, and the whole image is framed in dark wood with a metal loop on top.

The painting is carved into ivory, which is rare for portraits. The artist signed it in the corner with the year 1763.

Look up Gerrit Kamphuysen to see more of his delicate ivory portraits.

Overview

This small oval portrait, carved in ivory, depicts Karl Wilhelm Ferdinand, Duke of Brunswick-Luneburg. Created in 1763 by Gerrit Kamphuysen, it is now held at the Rijksmuseum.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait shows the duke in formal attire, wearing a dark blue coat with white fur trim and a star pin, conveying a sense of dignity and status.

Technique & Style

The portrait is notable for its medium: ivory, a rare material for portraits. Kamphuysen's skillful carving captures the duke's features, including a subtle smile, against a plain greenish background.

History & Provenance

The portrait was signed by Kamphuysen in 1763, the year of its creation. It is now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.

Artist & collection

Artist

Gerrit Kamphuysen

Dutch artists in the 1700s often painted tiny portraits on ivory for keepsakes. Gerrit Kamphuysen made more than 50 of these, mostly small ovals worn as lockets or attached to snuffboxes. In the Gallery you’ll find…

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.