Who painted Portrait of Maerten Soolmans (1613–1641)?

Portrait of Maerten Soolmans (1613–1641) was painted by Rembrandt in 1634.

Where can I see Portrait of Maerten Soolmans (1613–1641)?

Portrait of Maerten Soolmans (1613–1641) is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Portrait of Maerten Soolmans (1613–1641)?

Portrait of Maerten Soolmans (1613–1641) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Portrait of Maerten Soolmans (1613–1641)

Rembrandt , 1634

Portrait of Maerten Soolmans (1613–1641) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1634 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw. Executed in 1634, this oil on canvas portrait presents Marten Soolmans II, a youthful Amsterdam resident.

About this work

Overview

Executed in 1634, this oil on canvas portrait presents Marten Soolmans II, a youthful Amsterdam resident. The work belongs to the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw and exemplifies Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn’s output during the height of the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by intense artistic productivity across media.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown with curly reddish hair, a solemn expression, and attire that includes a black hat and an elaborate white lace collar extending across his chest. The sumptuous lace signals his affluent status, while the restrained pose and direct gaze convey a sense of personal dignity typical of 17th‑century Dutch portraiture.

Technique & Style

Rembrandt employs a subtle chiaroscuro, allowing the dark background to recede and the illuminated face to emerge in three‑dimensional relief. The delicate rendering of the lace demonstrates his skill in depicting texture, while the overall palette of muted tones underscores the focus on the sitter’s features rather than decorative excess.

History & Provenance

After its creation, the portrait entered various private collections before being acquired by the National Museum in Warsaw, where it remains on display. Its documented provenance traces a path from the Dutch market to Central Europe, reflecting the broader circulation of Dutch art in the centuries following its production.

Context

The painting belongs to a prolific phase in Rembrandt’s career, during which he produced numerous portraits, etchings, and drawings. It reflects contemporary Dutch conventions of representing mercantile elites, combining realistic observation with a nuanced play of light that would influence portraiture across Europe.

Artist & collection

Artist

Rembrandt

Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.