Artwork

Portrait of a Dutch Admiral of the Fleet

Portrait of a Dutch Admiral of the Fleet, by Unknown, unspecified, 1590
Portrait of a Dutch Admiral of the Fleet, by Unknown, unspecified, 1590

Portrait of a Dutch Admiral of the Fleet is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Unknown. It dates from 1590 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

This painting is a portrait of a high-ranking Dutch naval officer, depicted standing in front of an ivy-covered wall with a window showing ships at sea.

Subject & Meaning

The admiral is shown with symbols of his rank and profession: a sword and a whistle on a chain, the latter used for giving orders on board. The ivy may symbolize loyalty, and the family coat of arms in the corner identifies the subject.

Technique & Style

The portrait is a formal representation, emphasizing the subject's status and profession through the inclusion of specific objects and symbols.

Context

The painting reflects the tradition of Dutch portraiture, which often featured symbols and objects that conveyed the subject's social standing and occupation.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.