Artwork
Cornelis Outshoorn (1810-75). Engineer and Architect
Cornelis Outshoorn (1810-75). Engineer and Architect is an oil painting by the Realist artist Moritz Calisch. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
This mid‑nineteenth‑century oil portrait, executed by Amsterdam‑born painter Moritz Calisch, presents the Dutch engineer and architect Cornelis Outshoorn. Rendered in a realistic manner, the work measures the likeness of the subject with careful attention to his attire and insignia, and is presently part of the Rijksmuseum’s holdings.
Subject & Meaning
Cornelis Outshoorn (1810–1875) is shown with silver‑white hair, dressed in a formal black suit, white shirt and black bow tie, his left hand resting on the arm of a red velvet chair. A gold medal pinned to his chest and the presence of brown gloves underscore his professional stature and the honors he received during his career.
Technique & Style
Calisch employed the oil medium to achieve a smooth, lifelike surface, characteristic of the Realist approach prevalent in the 1850s. The muted brown backdrop recedes, allowing the crisp detailing of the fabrics, medal and facial features to dominate, while subtle brushwork conveys the texture of the velvet chair and the sheen of the medal.
History & Provenance
Created circa 1850, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s collection at an unspecified date and remains catalogued under the museum’s Dutch portrait holdings. Its acquisition reflects the institution’s interest in documenting notable figures of the Netherlands’ 19th‑century engineering and architectural history.
Context
During the mid‑1800s, Dutch portraiture often highlighted civic leaders and professionals, aligning personal achievement with national progress. Outshoorn’s dual role as engineer and architect placed him among the era’s contributors to urban development, a fact emphasized by the dignified composition and the inclusion of his medal, a visual cue to his public service.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Moritz Calisch (12 April 1819, Amsterdam – 13 March 1870, Amsterdam), was a 19th-century painter from the Northern Netherlands.
