Artwork

Portrait of Johannes d'Outrein

Portrait of Johannes d'Outrein, by Jan Caspar, Philips, unspecified, 1750
Portrait of Johannes d'Outrein, by Jan Caspar, Philips, unspecified, 1750

Portrait of Johannes d'Outrein is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Jan Caspar, Philips. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Leiden University Libraries.

About this work

Overview

The work is a portrait of Johannes d'Outrein, rendered as a seated figure holding a book. The composition presents the sitter in a solemn pose, his expression focused and contemplative. The image is a faithful reproduction of an earlier painting by J. Boonen, matching it closely in composition and detail.

Subject & Meaning

Johannes d'Outrein, a noted figure of his time, is depicted in a scholarly manner, emphasizing his intellectual pursuits through the presence of an open book. The restrained demeanor and direct gaze suggest a portrait intended to convey seriousness, learning, and perhaps the moral gravity associated with his role.

Technique & Style

The copy reproduces Boonen’s handling of light and shade, employing a subtle gradation reminiscent of the sfumato technique that softens edges and creates atmospheric depth. The brushwork mirrors the original’s delicate transitions, allowing the figure to emerge from a muted background without harsh outlines.

History & Provenance

Created as a direct copy after J. Boonen, the portrait aligns with catalogue entry no. 219, indicating it was intended as an exact replica for collection or documentation purposes. Its existence illustrates the practice of workshop replication in the period, where artists reproduced admired works to disseminate the image and preserve the sitter’s likeness.

Artist & collection