Who painted Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis)?

Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis) was painted by Jan van Ravesteyn in 1612.

Where can I see Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis)?

Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis) is held by Mauritshuis.

What movement is Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis)?

Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis)

Jan van Ravesteyn , 1612

Portrait of an Officer (Mauritshuis) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Ravesteyn. It dates from 1612 and is held in the collection of the Mauritshuis.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1612 by Jan van Ravesteyn, a Hague‑based portraitist who worked for the Dutch court, this oil painting portrays a uniformed military officer. The work belongs to the Mauritshuis collection and exemplifies the portraiture typical of the Dutch Golden Age.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in full armor, wearing a black leather cuirass studded with gold, a matching belt, and a white ruffled collar. A golden sash falls across his right shoulder, and he holds a red‑plumed helmet in his left hand, gestures that identify him as a commissioned officer and underscore his rank and martial role.

Technique & Style

Van Ravesteyn employs a restrained palette dominated by deep blacks and metallic highlights, allowing the gold accents and the vivid red plume to stand out. The dark, unadorned background isolates the figure, directing the viewer’s focus to the detailed rendering of the armor and the subtle modeling of flesh.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the Mauritshuis collection, where it remains on display. Its provenance traces back to the early 17th‑century Dutch court, reflecting the artist’s patronage by military and aristocratic clients in The Hague.

Context

During the early 1600s, Dutch portraiture often emphasized civic and military virtues. This work aligns with that trend, presenting the officer not only as an individual but also as a visual embodiment of the Republic’s disciplined armed forces.