Artwork
Jacob van Eeghen (1818-34). At the Age of Twelve
Jacob van Eeghen (1818-34). At the Age of Twelve is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Jacobus Hermanus Otterbeek. It dates from 1890 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Jacobus Hermanus Otterbeek’s 1890 oil portrait, titled “Jacob van Eeghen (1818‑34). At the Age of Twelve,” presents a young Jacob van Eeghen in a formal pose. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies late‑19th‑century Dutch portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Jacob van Eeghen, is shown at twelve years old, dressed in a black suit with a white bow tie and crisp collar. His calm, serious expression and slight head tilt suggest a poised maturity, reflecting the expectations placed on youth of his social standing during that era.
Technique & Style
Otterbeek employs soft, blended brushwork to render the boy’s skin tones and the texture of his clothing. A plain, dark background eliminates distractions, directing attention to the sitter’s face and the subtle interplay of light on fabric.
History & Provenance
Created in 1890, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, where it remains on display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s focus on documenting notable Dutch families and their visual representation in the 19th century.
Context
The painting belongs to a broader tradition of Dutch portraiture that emphasized realism and individual character. Otterbeek’s work aligns with contemporaneous efforts to capture the likeness and social identity of prominent families through restrained, detailed representation.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jacobus Hermanus Otterbeek (1839–1902) was an artist, born in The Hague.
