Artwork
Portrait of Henricus van Zijl (1545-1627)
Portrait of Henricus van Zijl (1545-1627) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Nicolaes van Borculo. It dates from 1627 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Nicolaes van Borculo’s 1627 portrait depicts Henricus van Zijl, a Dutchman who lived from 1545 to 1627. Executed on a copper plate, the work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and presents the sitter in a starkly illuminated composition that emphasizes his aged features.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter appears with a solemn expression, his gaze directed outward, suggesting a dignified self‑presentation. A dark robe and a high, white ruffled collar frame his face, while subtle lines on his skin convey the passage of time and his status as an elder figure.
Technique & Style
Rendered on copper, the painting employs strong contrasts between light and shadow, a hallmark of chiaroscuro that heightens the three‑dimensionality of the figure. The crisp rendering of the white collar against the dark background demonstrates van Borculo’s skill in handling reflective surfaces on a metallic support.
History & Provenance
Created in the year of van Zijl’s death, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century. Its survival on copper, a less common medium than canvas, contributes to its preservation and scholarly interest.
Artist & collection
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Bildnis eines bärtigen Mannes
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Portrait of a man
Untitled
Bildnis eines Mannes
