Artwork

Portrait of Jonkheer Theodorus Frederik van Capellen, Vice-Admiral and Commander of the Dutch Squadron at Algiers in 1816

Portrait of Jonkheer Theodorus Frederik van Capellen, Vice-Admiral and Commander of the Dutch Squadron at Algiers in 1816 is an oil painting by Jacobus Josephus Eeckhout. It dates from 1835 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

This 1835 oil painting is a portrait of Jonkheer Theodorus Frederik van Capellen, created by Jacobus Josephus Eeckhout, a Flemish painter and art educator.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is depicted in a formal dark blue military uniform adorned with gold trim, medals, and a bright red collar, conveying confidence and authority. His serious expression and formal pose suggest a high-ranking naval officer, consistent with his role as Vice-Admiral and Commander of the Dutch Squadron at Algiers in 1816.

Technique & Style

The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that exploits contrasts between light and dark, draws attention to the subject. The plain dark background further emphasizes van Capellen's figure, while the detailed rendering of his uniform and medals showcases the artist's skill.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Rijksmuseum collection. Eeckhout, who was also director of the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague, executed the work in 1835, nearly two decades after van Capellen's notable naval command.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Jacobus Josephus Eeckhout

Jacobus Josephus Eeckhout or Jacques Joseph Eeckhout (6 or 8 February 1793 – 25 December 1861) was a Flemish painter, sculptor, pastellist, water-colourist and lithographer and a Director of the Royal Academy of Art in The Hague.

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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