Artwork
Portrait of (possibly) Pieter Gerritsz Bicker, pendant of (possibly) his wife Anna Codde
Portrait of (possibly) Pieter Gerritsz Bicker, pendant of (possibly) his wife Anna Codde is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Maarten van Heemskerck. It dates from 1529 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1529, this oil portrait is attributed to Maarten van Heemskerck, a Haarlem‑based painter of the Northern Renaissance. The work forms one half of a paired set, the companion depicting a woman identified as Anna Codde. Both panels are part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplify early 16th‑century Dutch portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
He is shown seated at a desk strewn with coins, a quill and other objects, suggesting his involvement in trade or administration.
The male sitter is presented as Pieter Gerritsz Bicker, a merchant of the period. He is shown seated at a desk strewn with coins, a quill and other objects, suggesting his involvement in trade or administration. The inclusion of an open book and the thoughtful pose convey a sense of literacy and contemplation, typical of portrait conventions that aimed to reflect the sitter’s status and character.
Technique & Style
Van Heemskerck employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, allowing the figure’s face to emerge from a dark, muted background. The contrast between the illuminated facial features and the shadowed robes creates a three‑dimensional effect. The dark fur‑collared garment and the subtle rendering of textures reflect the artist’s training under Jan van Scorel and his exposure to Italian Renaissance modeling techniques.
History & Provenance
After its execution, the portrait remained in private hands before entering the Rijksmuseum’s holdings, where it is displayed alongside its pendant portrait of Anna Codde. The pairing of the two works provides insight into the practice of commissioning companion pieces for married couples during the early modern period in the Netherlands.
Artist & collection
Artist
Maarten van Heemskerck (born Maerten Jacobsz van Veen; 1 June 1498 – 1 October 1574), also known as Marten Jacobsz Heemskerk van Veen, was a Dutch portrait and religious painter, who spent most of his career in Haarlem.
