Artwork

Self Portrait with his Wife Sanneke van Bommel and their two Children

Self Portrait with his Wife Sanneke van Bommel and their two Children is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Hendrik Spilman. It dates from 1772 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

The canvas presents Hendrik Spilman, a Dutch painter of the eighteenth century, together with his wife Sanneke van Bommer and their two daughters. Spilman holds a drawing pen in his right hand and rests his left elbow on an open art book, while the younger child cradles a cat and the elder clutches a doll. The composition captures a domestic moment within a modest interior.

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a family portrait that also alludes to the artist’s profession. By placing the pen and the book within the father’s grasp, Spilman signals his identity as a creator, while the children’s toys suggest everyday life and affection. The inclusion of the cat and doll adds a personal, informal touch that contrasts with the more formal portraiture of the period.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil on canvas, the painting employs a subdued palette typical of Dutch genre scenes, allowing the figures to emerge with soft modeling and gentle chiaroscuro. The brushwork is attentive to texture, especially in the fur of the cat and the fabric of the garments, while the overall arrangement conveys a relaxed, almost candid atmosphere.

History & Provenance

Created by Hendrik Spilman (1721‑1784), the portrait likely dates from the later years of his career, when he was married to Sanneke van Bommer, born in 1741. The painting has remained within Dutch collections, reflecting its relevance as a rare visual record of an artist’s household in the eighteenth century.