Artwork
Portrait of the Baud family in their country house in Voorburg

Portrait of the Baud family in their country house in Voorburg is an oil painting by Raden Saleh. It dates from 1831 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of the Baud family in their country house in Voorburg is an 1831 oil painting by Raden Saleh, a pivotal figure in Indonesian art and a proponent of European Romanticism. The work depicts a family of nine, including two adults, six children, and a dog, within the opulent interior of their Voorburg, Netherlands residence.
Subject & Meaning
The painting captures a serene family scene, emphasizing harmony and prosperity. The central placement of the dog suggests its symbolic role as a unifying family element. The mother, holding a baby, and the father, standing in a dark suit, embody parental roles amidst their elegantly dressed children, conveying a sense of family unity and comfort.
Technique & Style
Raden Saleh employs characteristic Romanticism techniques, combining rich colors and detailed textures to convey the family's wealth. The golden walls, intricate patterns, and the landscape painting on the wall reflect the family's refined taste and prosperity. Soft, streaming sunlight adds warmth and intimacy to the scene.
History & Provenance
Created in 1831, the painting is now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection in the Netherlands, highlighting its significance in both Dutch and Indonesian art historical contexts.
Context
This work reflects Raden Saleh's unique position as an Arab-Javanese artist immersed in European Romanticism. It bridges cultural influences, showcasing European stylistic elements applied to a Dutch family portrait, while also representing the artist's connection to the colonial era.
Legacy
As one of Raden Saleh's notable works, *Portrait of the Baud family* contributes to his legacy as Indonesia's first 'modern' artist, influencing subsequent generations of artists in both Indonesia and Europe.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Raden Saleh Sjarif Boestaman (Javanese: ꦫꦢꦺꦤ꧀ꦱꦭꦺꦃꦯ꦳ꦫꦶꦥ꦳꧀ꦨꦸꦱ꧀ꦠꦩꦤ꧀, EYD: Raden Saleh Syarif Bustaman; Arabic: رادين صالح شريف بوستامن, DIN: Rādīn Ṣāliḥ Šarīf Būstāman; c.














