Artwork

Portrait of Lucas Pater, Merchant and Poet in Amsterdam

Portrait of Lucas Pater, Merchant and Poet in Amsterdam, by Jan Maurits Quinkhard, oil, 1750
Portrait of Lucas Pater, Merchant and Poet in Amsterdam, by Jan Maurits Quinkhard, oil, 1750

Portrait of Lucas Pater, Merchant and Poet in Amsterdam 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

Portrait of Lucas Pater, Merchant and Poet in Amsterdam is a copper panel painting created by Jan Maurits Quinkhard around 1750, exemplifying the rococo style in its refined portrayal of the subject.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Lucas Pater, an Amsterdam-based merchant who also practiced poetry, capturing him in a moment of gentle, direct engagement with the viewer, his attire and hairstyle conveying elegance.

Technique & Style

Quinkhard employed chiaroscuro to create a stark contrast between light and dark, emphasizing Pater's face and hands, characteristic of the rococo's emphasis on subtle, nuanced lighting effects.

History & Provenance

The work is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection, with its creation date circa 1750 reflecting Quinkhard's active period as a Dutch painter and print designer in the 18th century.

Context

The use of copper as the painting's support was common for high-end portraiture during this period, underscoring the subject's status and the artist's attention to detail.

Legacy

While specific influences or direct artistic lineage are not detailed, the portrait contributes to the broader legacy of Dutch rococo portraiture, emphasizing subtlety and the capture of the subject's personality.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan Maurits Quinkhard

Artist

Jan Maurits Quinkhard

Jan Maurits Quinkhard (28 January 1688 – 11 November 1772) was an 18th-century painter and print designer from the Dutch Republic.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.