Who painted Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes?

Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes was painted by Noël Challe in 1764.

Where can I see Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes?

Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes?

Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes?

Museum-quality prints of Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes

Noël Challe , 1764

Sandrina van den Broecke, Wife of George Lodewijk Matthes is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Noël Challe. It dates from 1764 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Noël Challe’s 1764 oil portrait depicts Sandrina van den Broecke, the spouse of George Lodewijk Matthes. Executed in the mid‑eighteenth century, the work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The composition presents the sitter in an elaborate costume against a dark backdrop, emphasizing the contrast between light and shadow.

Subject & Meaning

The painting records Sandrina van den Broecke as a member of the Dutch mercantile elite. Her attire—an embroidered pale dress, a deep red cloak, and a white fur‑trimmed collar—signals wealth and social standing. The slight turn of her head and the poised hand suggest a dignified yet approachable presence, typical of portraiture intended to convey both status and personal virtue.

Technique & Style

Challe employs a chiaroscuro effect, using a dark background to illuminate the sitter’s face and richly textured garments. The brushwork captures fine details such as the intricate embroidery, the sheen of the fur collar, and the ornate earrings. The palette balances muted flesh tones with the vivid red of the cloak, creating depth and visual focus.

History & Provenance

Created in 1764, the portrait entered the Rijksmuseum’s holdings through acquisition (specific acquisition details are recorded in the museum’s catalog). It remains attributed to Noël Challe, a Dutch painter active in the 18th century, whose works are documented in several Dutch art inventories of the period.

Context

The portrait reflects the Dutch tradition of bourgeois portraiture in the Enlightenment era, where clothing and accessories served as markers of economic success. The inclusion of luxurious fabrics and fur aligns with contemporary fashion trends among the affluent, while the restrained background follows the period’s preference for emphasizing the individual over elaborate settings.