Artwork
Portrait of Jan Willemsz van der Pluym

Portrait of Jan Willemsz van der Pluym is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Unknown. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This small painting depicts an elderly man with a white beard, dressed in a dark coat and wide-brimmed hat.
About this work
Overview
This small painting depicts an elderly man with a white beard, dressed in a dark coat and wide-brimmed hat. The work is characterized by its loose and rapid execution.
Subject & Meaning
The subject is Jan Willemsz van der Pluym, a 69-year-old slater and plumber from Leiden, who left behind considerable wealth upon his death. The portrait is believed to have been created as a personal favor, likely due to the artist's connection to the subject or his family.
Technique & Style
The painting is notable for its free and sketchy style, differing from more formal commissions. The artist's use of loose brushstrokes and lack of polish suggest a more intimate and informal work.
History & Provenance
The attribution of the painting to Rembrandt is based on stylistic similarities and the subject's connection to Leiden, where the artist was active. The work is now part of the Rijksmuseum collection.
Artist & collection













