Who painted Portrait of Magdalena de Cuyper?

Portrait of Magdalena de Cuyper was painted by Jacob Jordaens in 1635.

Where can I see Portrait of Magdalena de Cuyper?

Portrait of Magdalena de Cuyper is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Magdalena de Cuyper?

Portrait of Magdalena de Cuyper is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Portrait of Magdalena de Cuyper

Jacob Jordaens , 1635

Portrait of Magdalena de Cuyper is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Jacob Jordaens. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The painting, executed in oil in 1635, portrays Magdalena de Cuyper seated in an opulent interior.

About this work

Overview

The painting, executed in oil in 1635, portrays Magdalena de Cuyper seated in an opulent interior. She is positioned on an upholstered chair, dressed in a dark fur-trimmed coat and a white ruff, her gaze meeting the viewer with calm directness. A red curtain frames a view of a window and a distant statue, while a lit fireplace and carved wood complete the setting.

Subject & Meaning

Magdalena is presented as a figure of affluence and composure, her attire and the luxurious surroundings signalling high social standing. The small object she holds, concealed by gloves, hints at personal or symbolic significance, while her poised posture and serene expression convey a sense of controlled dignity typical of 17th‑century portraiture.

Technique & Style

Jordaens employs the dramatic chiaroscuro characteristic of Flemish Baroque, allowing light to model the contours of the face and the folds of the fur coat. The painter’s handling of texture—fur, fabric, polished wood—demonstrates meticulous brushwork, while the rich colour palette of reds, golds, and deep shadows reinforces the work’s visual depth.

History & Provenance

Created by Jacob Jordaens after the deaths of Rubens and van Dyck, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the original commission for the de Cuyper family, though specific ownership changes before its museum acquisition are not fully documented.

Context

The work exemplifies the transition of Flemish painting toward a more personal, domestic focus in the mid‑1630s, reflecting Jordaens’s rise as the leading artist in the region. By integrating a modest interior with elements of grandeur, the portrait aligns with contemporary trends that blended private portraiture with the theatricality of Baroque aesthetics.