Artwork

Portrait of Pierius Winsemius, Professor of Rhetoric and History in Franeker

Portrait of Pierius Winsemius, Professor of Rhetoric and History in Franeker 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 Dutch painter Jan Maurits Quinkhard, this oval portrait on copper depicts Pierius Winsemius, a professor of rhetoric and history at the University of Franeker. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and reflects the decorative sensibilities of the mid‑eighteenth‑century Rococo period.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, Pierius Winsemius, is presented in formal academic attire: a black coat, a prominent white ruffled collar, and a silver chain with a pendant. His curly brown hair and composed expression convey the dignity of a learned man, emphasizing his role within the intellectual life of Franeker.

Technique & Style

Quinkhard employed the smooth, luminous surface of copper to achieve fine detail, especially in the rendering of facial features and textiles. The muted green background provides a subtle contrast to the dark coat, while the gold‑leaf patterned frame enhances the Rococo’s taste for elegance and refined ornamentation.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings as part of its Dutch 18th‑century collection, where it remains displayed. Its attribution to Quinkhard is supported by stylistic analysis and documentation linking the artist to academic commissions during his later career.