Artwork
Portrait of Johan de Witt, Grand Pensionary of Holland
Portrait of Johan de Witt, Grand Pensionary of Holland is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jan Maurits Quinkhard. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1750 by the Dutch painter Jan Maurits Quinkhard, this oval portrait presents Johan de Witt, the 17th‑century Grand Pensionary of Holland. Rendered on a copper plate, the work now belongs to the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the refined aesthetic of the Rococo period in the Netherlands.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, identified by an inscribed plaque, is Johan de Witt, a leading political figure during the Dutch Golden Age. His composed expression, curly hair and modest attire convey the dignified yet approachable character associated with his public service, reflecting contemporary ideals of civic virtue.
Technique & Style
Quinkhard employed a delicate chiaroscuro on the copper surface, using subtle gradations of light to model the face and create a sense of depth. The gold‑edged frame with a scalloped upper edge and the soft, slightly faded palette are characteristic of Rococo’s graceful elegance.
History & Provenance
Although painted in the mid‑18th century, the portrait references a statesman who died in 1672, indicating a retrospective interest in Dutch political heritage. The piece entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the 19th century and has remained on public display since.
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Maurits Quinkhard (28 January 1688 – 11 November 1772) was an 18th-century painter and print designer from the Dutch Republic.
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