Who painted The notary's office?

The notary's office was painted by Jan Woutersz Stap in 1629.

Where can I see The notary's office?

The notary's office is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The notary's office?

The notary's office is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of The notary's office?

Museum-quality prints of The notary's office are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The notary's office

Jan Woutersz Stap , 1629

The notary's office is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Woutersz Stap. It dates from 1629 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Jan Woutersz Stap’s oil on canvas, dated 1629, depicts a modest interior where a small group is gathered around a table. The composition is anchored by an open ledger and scattered coins, suggesting a transactional moment. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, representing a domestic genre scene from the Dutch Golden Age.

Subject & Meaning

Four figures occupy the space, each engaged with a central document that appears to be a contract or deed. One individual gestures toward the text, directing the attention of the others, while the presence of currency on the page hints at a legal or financial agreement being finalized within the notary’s office.

Technique & Style

Stap employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated faces and garments with deeper shadows that recede into the background. The careful rendering of textures—paper, metal, wood—demonstrates a meticulous approach to materiality, while the subdued palette reinforces the solemn atmosphere of a bureaucratic setting.

History & Provenance

Created in 1629, the painting has remained in the Netherlands and is now housed in Amsterdam’s Rijksmuseum. Its provenance traces a typical path for Dutch genre works, moving from private collections to public institutions, where it serves as an example of early‑17th‑century civic interior painting.