Who painted Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60)?

Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60) was painted by Nicolaes Eliaszoon Pickenoy in 1622.

Where can I see Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60)?

Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60) is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60)?

Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60)

Nicolaes Eliaszoon Pickenoy , 1622

Portrait of Johanna Le Maire (c. 1601-60) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Nicolaes Eliaszoon Pickenoy. It dates from 1622 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

This 1622 oil painting by Nicolaes Eliaszoon Pickenoy depicts Johanna Le Maire, a woman from the Dutch merchant class. Pickenoy, born in Flanders and active in Amsterdam during the Dutch Golden Age, produced portraits of local burghers and their families. The work entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains today.

Subject & Meaning

The black gown, large starched ruff, and lace cap indicate wealth and modest married respectability.

Johanna Le Maire stands in three-quarter view, her status communicated through costly attire. The black gown, large starched ruff, and lace cap indicate wealth and modest married respectability. A gold chain and ring further signal prosperity. She holds a small object—possibly a fan or gloves—an accessory denoting refinement. The restrained palette and absence of overt symbolism suggest the direct, unembellished approach typical of Amsterdam portraiture for the prosperous middle class.

Technique & Style

Pickenoy employs pronounced chiaroscuro, isolating the sitter against a near-black background. Concentrated illumination falls upon her face, collar, and jewelry, creating strong tonal contrasts that model form and direct attention. The painter renders textures of lace and fabric with precision, while the plain setting eliminates distraction. This dramatic lighting strategy, derived from Flemish tradition, gives the portrait its striking immediacy.

History & Provenance

Pickenoy may have studied with Cornelis van der Voort, another Amsterdam portraitist, and later counted Bartholomeus van der Helst among his pupils. The painting's provenance before its acquisition by the Rijksmuseum remains unrecorded in available sources. Its creation in 1622 places it early in the artist's documented career.

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Artist & collection

Artist

Nicolaes Eliaszoon Pickenoy

Nicolaes Eliaszoon Pickenoy (10 January 1588 – 1653/1656) was a Dutch painter of Flemish origin. Pickenoy was possibly a pupil of Cornelis van der Voort and presumably Bartholomeus van der Helst was his own pupil.