Artwork

Portrait of Gerard Reynst, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies

Portrait of Gerard Reynst, Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Unknown. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

This oil painting depicts a man in formal attire, identified by inscription as Gerard Reynst, a high-ranking official in the Dutch East Indies.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is shown wearing a dark brown, ornate coat with gold trim and a stiff white collar, conveying his status. The inscription 'Gouverneur Generaal van India' indicates his role as Governor-General.

Technique & Style

The artist employed chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark, to focus attention on the subject against a plain, dark background.