Artwork
Portrait of Count Adam-François-Jules-Armand van der Duyn van Maasdam
Portrait of Count Adam-François-Jules-Armand van der Duyn van Maasdam is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jan Baptist van der Hulst. It dates from 1839 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Jan Baptist van der Hulst, a Flemish painter and lithographer working in the Netherlands, completed this oil portrait in 1839. The work presents Count Adam‑François‑Jules‑Armand van der Duyn van Maasdam and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. It exemplifies van Hulst’s focus on realistic representation, a hallmark of his career, especially in portraits of notable Dutch figures.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Count van der Duyn van Maasdam, is shown in a dark blue coat trimmed with gold buttons, a sash across his chest, and a medal‑like pin suggesting official distinction. His gray hair and composed expression convey a dignified maturity, while the relaxed pose—one hand in his pocket—adds a personal, informal dimension to the formal attire.
Technique & Style
Executed in oil, the painting employs a restrained palette and careful modeling of flesh and fabric. Van Hulst’s handling of light creates a subtle chiaroscuro effect, illuminating the count’s face and hands against a dark, indistinct background that includes a desk and a few books. The rendering of textures, from the sheen of the coat to the solidity of the hands, reflects his realist approach.
History & Provenance
After its creation, the portrait entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display. Van Hulst’s reputation for painting members of Dutch royalty and aristocracy situates this work within a broader series of official portraits produced in the early nineteenth century, documenting the visual culture of the period.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Baptist van der Hulst (2 March 1790 – 16 May 1862) was a Flemish painter and lithographer. He painted numerous members of the royal family of the Netherlands, and was known for his work in history painting as well.
