Who painted Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658)?

Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658) was painted by Jan Jansz. Westerbaen de Oude in 1647.

Where can I see Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658)?

Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658) is held by Mauritshuis.

What movement is Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658)?

Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658)

Jan Jansz. Westerbaen de Oude , 1647

Portrait of Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593-1658) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Jansz. Westerbaen de Oude. It dates from 1647 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis. Jan Jansz.

About this work

Overview

Jan Jansz. Westerbaen de Oude painted this oil portrait in 1647, depicting Arnoldus Geesteranus (1593‑1658). The work is part of the collection of the Mauritshuis in The Hague. It presents the sitter in a three‑quarter view, directly engaging the viewer with a composed, restrained demeanor.

Subject & Meaning

Arnoldus Geesteranus is shown with dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard, dressed in a black coat trimmed with a white ruffled collar. The sober attire and neutral expression convey a sense of dignity and professional standing, typical of mid‑seventeenth‑century portraiture intended to affirm the sitter’s social status.

Technique & Style

Westerbaen employs chiaroscuro, using a dark, muted background to model the figure’s form and accentuate the contrast between light on the face and the deep shadows of the clothing. The brushwork is smooth, rendering fine details such as the texture of the ruff and the subtle sheen of the fabric.

History & Provenance

Created in 1647, the portrait entered the Mauritshuis collection at an unspecified date, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the Geesteranus family, reflecting the common practice of commissioning personal likenesses for familial preservation.

Context

The painting belongs to the Dutch Golden Age, a period when portraiture served both as a record of individual identity and as a visual assertion of wealth and education. Westerbaen’s work aligns with contemporary conventions, emphasizing realism and restrained elegance over overt symbolism.