Artwork

Portrait of Johan Arnold Zoutman, Husband of Anna Margaretha van Petcum

Portrait of Johan Arnold Zoutman, Husband of Anna Margaretha van Petcum is an oil painting. It dates from 1725 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

The work is an oil portrait depicting a gentleman dressed in a dark coat with a white collar, his face rendered with careful detail and a neutral expression. He wears a prominent, curly white wig and looks straight ahead, set against a dark background that emphasizes his features. The composition follows a formal, traditional approach typical of portraiture in its period.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is identified as Johan Arnold Zoutman, noted as the husband of Anna Margaretha van Petcum. The straightforward gaze and restrained demeanor suggest a focus on status and personal dignity rather than narrative symbolism, presenting Zoutman as a respectable figure within his social milieu.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting employs chiaroscuro to model the face and attire, using the dark backdrop to create contrast. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, especially in the rendering of the wig and clothing, reflecting the conventional portrait techniques of the era.

History & Provenance

The portrait was created as a private commission, likely intended for family or domestic display. Its provenance traces back to the Zoutman family, though further details of ownership changes or exhibition history are not recorded in the available sources.

Artist & collection

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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