Artwork
Portrait of Cornelia Tedingh van Berckhout (1614-80)
Portrait of Cornelia Tedingh van Berckhout (1614-80) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt. It is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
The 1648 oil painting by Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt portrays Cornelia Tedingh van Berckhout, a Dutch woman of the mid‑seventeenth century. Executed on canvas, the work exemplifies the portrait tradition of the Dutch Golden Age and is presently part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection.
Subject & Meaning
Cornelia Tedingh van Berckhout (1614–1680) is presented with a composed demeanor, her light brown hair framing a tranquil expression. The modest attire—a white lace collar, a dark bow‑shaped brooch, and a simple gold headband—suggests a balance between personal modesty and subtle status indicators typical of respectable women of her time.
Technique & Style
Mi erevelt employs a restrained chiaroscuro, using a dark, unadorned background to isolate the sitter’s face. Soft illumination catches the eyes and the delicate lace, while the plain sleeves and understated accessories receive minimal modeling, creating a calm, almost intimate atmosphere characteristic of Dutch portraiture.
History & Provenance
Created in 1648, the portrait remained in private hands before entering the Rijksmuseum, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s holdings of Dutch Golden Age portraiture. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s commitment to preserving representative works of leading seventeenth‑century artists.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Michiel Janszoon (abbr. Jansz.) van Mierevelt (Dutch pronunciation: ; also spelled Miereveld or Miereveldt; 1 May 1566 – 27 June 1641) was a Dutch painter and draftsman of the Dutch Golden Age.
Jacob van Dalen (1570–1644), Called Vallensis
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