Artwork
Portrait of Hendrick Jansz. Spijcker, called De Veer, as Flag Bearer
Portrait of Hendrick Jansz. Spijcker, called De Veer, as Flag Bearer is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Hendrik Goltzius. It dates from 1596 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.
About this work
Overview
Executed in the Flemish Baroque style, the work showcases Goltzius's venture into painting after establishing his reputation as a leading engraver of his era.
Hendrik Goltzius, a prominent Dutch artist known for his printmaking, created this oil portrait in 1596. Titled Portrait of Hendrick Jansz. Spijcker, called De Veer, as Flag Bearer, the painting captures its subject in a formal pose, holding a flag and a glove. Executed in the Flemish Baroque style, the work showcases Goltzius's venture into painting after establishing his reputation as a leading engraver of his era. It is currently housed in the collection of the Alte Pinakothek.
Subject & Meaning
The painting presents Hendrick Jansz. Spijcker, identified by his epithet "De Veer," as a flag bearer. He stands with a serious demeanor, his hand resting on his hip, holding a tattered yellow flag that suggests a history of use. His attire includes a dark, patterned jacket, a white ruff, and a red sash. A faded escutcheon, or coat of arms, is visible behind him, subtly indicating his lineage or status. The overall portrayal emphasizes duty and a sense of readiness.
Technique & Style
Goltzius, who transitioned from being a celebrated engraver to a painter, rendered this portrait in the Flemish Baroque style. The artist employs strong contrasts of light and shadow, a technique known as chiaroscuro, to model the figure and create a sense of depth. This dramatic illumination highlights Spijcker's features and the textures of his clothing, such as the intricate patterns of his jacket and the folds of his ruff. The detailed execution reflects Goltzius's precision, likely honed during his extensive printmaking career.
History & Provenance
Created in 1596, this oil painting by Hendrik Goltzius has been preserved and is now part of a significant public collection. The Portrait of Hendrick Jansz. Spijcker, called De Veer, as Flag Bearer is currently held by the Alte Pinakothek, a renowned art museum located in Munich, Germany. Its presence in such a collection underscores its historical and artistic value within the context of early Baroque portraiture.
Artist & collection
Artist
Hendrick Goltzius (German: , Dutch: ; né Goltz; January or February 1558 – 1 January 1617) was a German-born Dutch printmaker, draftsman, and painter.
