Artwork

Portrait of a Family

Portrait of a Family, by Jacob Jordaens, oil, 1650
Portrait of a Family, by Jacob Jordaens, oil, 1650

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.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacob Jordaens

Artist

Jacob Jordaens

Jacques (Jacob) Jordaens (19 May 1593 – 18 October 1678) was a Flemish painter, draughtsman and a designer of tapestries and prints.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Hermitage Museum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.