Artwork

Portrait of Lysbeth Hendriksdr (1536-after 1603). Wife of Bartholomeus van der Wiere

Portrait of Lysbeth Hendriksdr (1536-after 1603). Wife of Bartholomeus van der Wiere is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Unknown. It dates from 1593 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of Lysbeth Hendriksdr, wife of Bartholomeus van der Wiere, is a 16th-century Dutch painting depicting the subject in a formal, dark setting, accompanied by symbolic elements.

Subject & Meaning

Lysbeth Hendriksdr is portrayed standing, dressed in somber yet dignified attire, with a small book in her right hand, potentially signifying her piety. The overall demeanor conveys seriousness and propriety, reflecting the desired image of Dutch couples of the time.

Technique & Style

The painting features a characteristic Dutch kniestuk format, with meticulous attention to detail in the subject's clothing and the carved wooden chair behind her, set against a dark, subdued background.

History & Provenance

This portrait is part of a pair (with its pendant being SK-A-1984, depicting her husband), indicating a common practice among Dutch couples to commission matched portraits. Current provenance details are not specified beyond its association with the pendant.

Context

Created within the Dutch cultural context, where such portraits served to project social status and moral virtues, Lysbeth's portrait aligns with the era's artistic and societal norms, emphasizing restraint and religious devotion.

Legacy

The painting, along with its pendant, contributes to the understanding of 16th-century Dutch portrait traditions. For similar works, the Rijksmuseum is noted as a relevant repository, though the painting's individual impact or exhibition history is not detailed here.