Artwork

Portrait of Claudine van Royen (born 1712), Wife of Pieter Teding van Berkhout

Portrait of Claudine van Royen (born 1712), Wife of Pieter Teding van Berkhout is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Hieronymus van der Mij. It dates from 1757 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

In 1757 Hieronymus van der Mij, a Dutch painter active in the mid‑eighteenth century, completed an oil portrait of Claudine van Royen, born in 1712, who was married to Pieter Teding van Berkhout. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the refined portraiture typical of the period.

Subject & Meaning

Claudine is shown seated, her posture dignified, while she holds a small bouquet in her right hand. The inclusion of the floral arrangement and the surrounding vase underscores themes of domestic virtue and genteel femininity, reflecting the social expectations of a married woman of her standing.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the portrait displays the delicate brushwork and pastel palette associated with the Rococo aesthetic. Van der Mij rendered the pink dress, blue shawl, and intricate lace with subtle modeling, while the gold‑buttoned bodice catches light, emphasizing texture and materiality.

Context

Born in Leiden and trained under Willem van Mieris, van der Mij later directed the Leidse Tekenacademie, positioning him within the Dutch artistic establishment. The background features a stylised landscape of trees and water, a common device that situates the sitter within an idealised, cultivated environment.