Who painted Portrait of an officer?

Portrait of an officer was painted by Wybrand de Geest in 1630.

Where can I see Portrait of an officer?

Portrait of an officer is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of an officer?

Portrait of an officer is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of an officer?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of an officer are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of an officer

Wybrand de Geest , 1630

Portrait of an officer is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Wybrand de Geest. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Wybrand de Geest’s oil painting, dated 1630, presents a portrait of a military officer. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and measures the conventions of Dutch portraiture of the early seventeenth century, focusing on the individual’s status and demeanor through careful rendering of attire and expression.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in a black leather jacket topped with a vivid yellow cape, complemented by a stiff white lace collar. A dark mustache and beard frame his serious, alert gaze, suggesting both authority and readiness typical of an officer’s public image during the period.

Technique & Style

De Geest employs a restrained palette and strong contrasts of light and shadow, allowing the figure to emerge from a dark, unadorned background. The illumination highlights the facial features and the texture of the fabrics, a technique reminiscent of chiaroscuro that enhances the three‑dimensional presence of the portrait.

History & Provenance

Created in 1630, the painting has remained within Dutch collections, ultimately entering the Rijksmuseum’s holdings. Its provenance reflects the artist’s reputation among the Frisian elite, for whom he frequently executed formal portraits that documented rank and identity.