Artwork
Portrait of Aletta van Ravensberg (1635-77). Wife of Jan van Nes
Portrait of Aletta van Ravensberg (1635-77). Wife of Jan van Nes is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ludolf de Jongh. It dates from 1668 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Ludolf de Jongh painted this oil on canvas portrait in 1668, portraying Aletta van Ravensberg, the wife of Jan van Nes. The work belongs to the Dutch Golden Age and is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
Aletta is shown standing in a garden setting, dressed in a dark gown trimmed with lace cuffs and a white lace collar. Her hair is pulled back, and she holds a pair of brown gloves, presenting a composed, serious gaze toward the viewer, indicative of her status as a member of an affluent family.
Technique & Style
De Jongh employs a restrained palette and fine brushwork to render the textures of lace, fabric, and foliage. The background features a stone wall with a railing, trees, and a cloudy sky, creating depth while keeping the focus on the sitter’s dignified presence.
History & Provenance
The portrait was created while de Jongh was active as a painter and civic official in Rotterdam. It later entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, where it remains on display as an example of mid‑17th‑century Dutch portraiture.
Context
De Jongh’s career combined artistic production with service in the Rotterdam civil guard and as sheriff of Hillegersberg. His portraits often documented the wealth and social standing of merchant families, reflecting the prosperous urban culture of the Dutch Republic.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ludolf de Jongh or Ludolf Leendertsz. de Jongh (Overschie, 1616 – Hillegersberg, 1679) was a Dutch painter, known for his genre scenes, hunting scenes, history paintings, landscapes, cityscapes, and portraits. He was…
