Artwork

Portrait of Margaretha van Raephorst (d 1690). Wife of Cornelis Tromp

Portrait of Margaretha van Raephorst (d 1690). Wife of Cornelis Tromp, by Johannes Mytens, oil, 1668
Portrait of Margaretha van Raephorst (d 1690). Wife of Cornelis Tromp, by Johannes Mytens, oil, 1668

Portrait of Margaretha van Raephorst (d 1690). Wife of Cornelis Tromp is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Mytens. It dates from 1668 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Mytens was a prominent portraitist during the Dutch Golden Age, a period characterized by significant artistic and commercial prosperity in the Netherlands.

This oil painting, created in 1668 by Johannes Mytens, depicts Margaretha van Raephorst, the wife of Cornelis Tromp. Mytens was a prominent portraitist during the Dutch Golden Age, a period characterized by significant artistic and commercial prosperity in the Netherlands. The work captures a specific moment in 17th-century Dutch society, showcasing both a notable figure and broader social dynamics. It is currently part of the Rijksmuseum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait features Margaretha van Raephorst, dressed in a vibrant red gown with delicate lace cuffs and a pearl necklace, holding the hand of a child in a dark coat. Her opulent attire signifies her social standing. Notably, an unidentified Black figure is also present, a detail that illuminates the presence of people of African descent within Dutch society during this era. The child's downward gaze suggests a moment of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Mytens' skill as a portraitist is evident in the meticulous rendering of the fabrics and jewelry, particularly Margaretha's elaborate red dress. The artist employs rich textures and precise details to convey the sitter's wealth and status. In contrast, the background recedes into a dark, indistinct landscape, ensuring the figures remain the focal point. The composition emphasizes the subjects through careful lighting and a focused presentation.

Context

Painted during the Dutch Golden Age, this artwork reflects a period when the Netherlands experienced a flourishing of both art and trade. Mytens, active in The Hague, contributed to the era's demand for portraiture among the affluent. The inclusion of an unidentified Black individual provides insight into the diverse social fabric of 17th-century Dutch cities, where people of African descent were part of the population, often in domestic roles.

Artist & collection

Artist

Johannes Mytens

Johannes Mytens or Jan Mijtens, or "Mytens" to the English (c. 1614 – 24 December 1670) was a Dutch Golden Age painter, almost entirely as a portraitist. Mytens was born in The Hague. According to Houbraken, Johannes…

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.