Artwork

Portrait of Magdalena van Citters, Wife of Adriaen Isaac Hurgronje

Portrait of Magdalena van Citters, Wife of Adriaen Isaac Hurgronje is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1760 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The canvas presents a seated woman holding a basket brimming with vivid blossoms.

About this work

Overview

The canvas presents a seated woman holding a basket brimming with vivid blossoms. She is dressed in a light blue gown with a lace collar and a white cap, her posture relaxed as she rests her hands on the basket. A dark curtain forms the backdrop, revealing a muted landscape of trees and sky, while the illumination highlights her face and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is identified as Magdalena van Citters, spouse of Adriaen Isaac Hurgronje. The inclusion of fresh flowers may symbolize fertility, domestic virtue, or the seasonal abundance associated with the household. Her calm expression and composed pose convey a sense of poise and genteel refinement typical of portraiture intended to affirm social status.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the work employs chiaroscuro, contrasting the luminous skin and dress with the deep shadows of the curtain. The subtle gradations of light create a three‑dimensional effect, while the delicate rendering of the lace and floral details demonstrates a meticulous handling of texture. The composition balances a restrained interior setting with a glimpse of an exterior vista.

History & Provenance

The painting originates from the Dutch tradition of the 17th‑century portrait genre. While specific ownership records are limited, the work has been associated with the family of Hurgronje, suggesting it functioned as a private commemorative piece. Its survival in museum collections underscores its value as a documentary representation of the period’s domestic portraiture.