Artwork

Portrait of Barend Hakvoort (1652-1735)

Portrait of Barend Hakvoort (1652-1735), by Hendrick ten Oever, unspecified, 1680
Portrait of Barend Hakvoort (1652-1735), by Hendrick ten Oever, unspecified, 1680

Portrait of Barend Hakvoort (1652-1735) is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Hendrick ten Oever. It dates from 1680 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

This is Barend Hakvoort, a bookseller and teacher in the Dutch city of Zwolle.

You see a man in a dark coat, his face turned slightly to the side. Behind him, a shelf holds books. Above the shelf, a small shield with a family crest.

This is Barend Hakvoort, a bookseller and teacher in the Dutch city of Zwolle. The painting was made in 1680, but we don’t know who painted it. The books and crest tell us he was educated and proud of his family. It’s a quiet portrait—no drama, just a man and his work.

To see more portraits like this, look up the Rijksmuseum.

Overview

Portrait of Barend Hakvoort (1652-1735) is a 1680 painting depicting the subject as a bookseller, reader, and catechism teacher in Zwolle. The work shows Hakvoort in a dark coat with a slight rightward turn, set against a backdrop featuring a bookshelf and a family crest.

Subject & Meaning

Barend Hakvoort is portrayed in a subdued, professional light, emphasizing his literary and educational pursuits. The inclusion of books and a family crest signifies his education and familial pride.

Technique & Style

The painting's style and technique are characteristic of 17th-century Dutch portraiture, though the artist remains unidentified. The composition is straightforward, focusing on the subject's quiet demeanor and symbolic accessories.

History & Provenance

Created in 1680, the painting's provenance details are not provided, though its subject's connection to Zwolle is clearly highlighted.

Context

This portrait aligns with the tradition of Dutch Golden Age portraiture, often capturing individuals in their professional or social contexts. For similar works, the Rijksmuseum collection is a relevant reference point.

Legacy

While not attributed to a specific famous artist, the portrait contributes to the historical record of Zwolle's 17th-century community and the representation of middle-class professionals in Dutch art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Hendrick ten Oever

Artist

Hendrick ten Oever

Hendrick ten Oever (1639–1716) was an artist, born in Zwolle.

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.