Artwork

Portrait of a man, possibly Jacob de Graeff, alderman of Amsterdam in 1672

Portrait of a man, possibly Jacob de Graeff, alderman of Amsterdam in 1672 is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Karel Dujardin. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Created in 1670, this oil portrait belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1670, this oil portrait belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The work presents a seated gentleman dressed in a dark, gold‑trimmed jacket with a white ruffled collar, set against a subdued landscape of hills and clouds. A dog rests at his right side while a rabbit appears on his left, adding a modestly pastoral element to the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is thought to be Jacob de Graeff, who served as an alderman of Amsterdam in 1672. His relaxed pose—right hand gently touching the dog’s head and left hand hanging loosely—suggests a blend of civic authority and personal affinity for the countryside, hinted at by the animal companions that symbolize loyalty and domestic tranquility.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, the painting reflects the refined brushwork and subtle chiaroscuro typical of Dutch portraiture in the late 17th century. The dark attire with gold accents is rendered with delicate highlights, while the background landscape is treated with muted tones, creating a calm atmosphere that frames the figure without competing for attention.

History & Provenance

Attributed to Karel Dujardin—better known for Italianate landscapes and genre scenes—the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the early 20th century. Its identification as a portrait of Jacob de Graeff remains based on stylistic comparison and archival references linking the sitter to the city’s municipal records of 1672.