Artwork

Portrait of Johan Gerritsz van Schoterbosch (c. 1564-1654)

Portrait of Johan Gerritsz van Schoterbosch  (c. 1564-1654), by Unknown, unspecified, 1620
Portrait of Johan Gerritsz van Schoterbosch  (c. 1564-1654), by Unknown, unspecified, 1620

Portrait of Johan Gerritsz van Schoterbosch (c. 1564-1654) is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Unknown. It dates from 1620 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This portrait depicts Johan Gerritsz van Schoterbosch, a prominent figure in Haarlem, painted in 1620.

About this work

The artist copied the pose exactly, but something about this version feels quieter, like the man has aged a little.

This is a man in black clothes with a white collar, holding one glove and resting his other hand on a small table. His face looks serious, almost tired.

The painting was made in 1620, a year after another version of the same man. He was a city leader in Haarlem—part of the local guard, a guild president, and a church brother. The artist copied the pose exactly, but something about this version feels quieter, like the man has aged a little.

Look up other portraits from the Rijksmuseum to see how Dutch artists painted people like him.

Overview

This portrait depicts Johan Gerritsz van Schoterbosch, a prominent figure in Haarlem, painted in 1620. The work is a repeat of a 1619 portrait, with the subject posed similarly, yet exhibiting subtle differences.

Subject & Meaning

Van Schoterbosch was a city leader, holding positions such as captain of the local guard and president of the St. Hubertus guild. His serious expression and formal attire convey a sense of dignity and authority.

Technique & Style

The painting features a somber color palette, with the subject dressed in black and a white collar. The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, while the pose and facial expression suggest a more subdued tone compared to the earlier version.

History & Provenance

The portrait is part of a series of works (SK-A-4771/4775) and is presented with an integrated frame. It is held in the Rijksmuseum collection, alongside other Dutch portraits that provide context for the artistic style and conventions of the period.

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

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