Artwork
Portrait of a Family

Portrait of a Family is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jacob Jordaens. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of a Family, circa 1650, is an oil on canvas painting by Flemish artist Jacob Jordaens, featuring a family group in a garden setting.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a serene family scene with a seated man holding a parrot, a reclining woman with flowers, a standing girl with more flowers, and a winged child (possibly symbolizing innocence or a guardian angel) beside the woman. The arrangement may convey themes of family harmony and protection.
Technique & Style
Jordaens employed a vibrant color palette against a cloudy sky, with contrasting attire for the main figures: dark for the man, white for the woman, and green for the girl. The work showcases his characteristic Flemish Baroque style, emphasizing detail and emotional expression.
History & Provenance
Acquired by the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia in 1774, the painting has remained part of its collection since.
Context
Created during Jordaens' active period, the work reflects the Flemish Baroque's emphasis on domestic scenes and symbolic elements, common in 17th-century European art.
Legacy
As part of Jordaens' oeuvre, the painting contributes to the artist's reputation for capturing intimate, emotionally nuanced scenes of family life in the Baroque era.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jacques (Jacob) Jordaens (19 May 1593 – 18 October 1678) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and a designer of tapestries and prints.
















