Artwork

Portrait of Florentius Schoonhoven, Poet in Latin, Burgomaster of Gouda

Portrait of Florentius Schoonhoven, Poet in Latin, Burgomaster of Gouda is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Arnoud van Halen. It dates from 1716 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

Created in 1716, this portrait by Arnoud van Halen is executed in oil paint on a tin support, a distinctive choice for the medium.

Created in 1716, this portrait by Arnoud van Halen is executed in oil paint on a tin support, a distinctive choice for the medium. The work measures 11 cm in height and 9.5 cm in width. Classified as a portrait, the piece depicts Florens Schoonhoven, a poet in Latin and burgomaster of Gouda.

The use of tin as a support material distinguishes the physical construction of this painting within the artist's oeuvre.

History & Provenance

Created in 1716, the Portrait of Florentius Schoonhoven is an oil painting on tin by the artist Arnoud van Halen. The work depicts Florens Schoonhoven, a Latin poet and burgomaster of Gouda. Historical records indicate that the painting was originally owned by its creator, Arnoud van Halen, before passing into the possession of Michiel de Roode. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

The portrait is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. According to the Wikidata entry, the painting is associated with the Rijksmuseum as both its collection and location, and lists prior ownership by Arnoud van Halen and Michiel de Roode. No inventory or accession number is recorded in the available sources, and no exhibition history is documented.

Overview

Arnoud van Halen’s 1716 portrait presents Florentius Schoonhoven, a noted poet and burgomaster of Gouda. Executed on a tin support, the work measures roughly a half‑length view, concentrating on the sitter’s upper body. The painting resides in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it exemplifies early‑18th‑century Dutch civic portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Florentius Schoonhoven is shown with dark hair, a neatly trimmed moustache, and a sober expression, reflecting the dignified bearing expected of a municipal leader and literary figure. His attire, a dark jacket trimmed with a white collar, signals both his official status and the modest elegance typical of Dutch burghers of the period.