Artwork
Maria Pietersdr de Leest (d 1652). Wife of Samuel van Lansbergen
Maria Pietersdr de Leest (d 1652). Wife of Samuel van Lansbergen is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Bartholomeus van der Helst. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
The composition centers on the half-length figure, rendered with understated realism and subdued palette, typical of Bartholomeus van der Helst’s mature work.
The portrait of Maria Pietersdr de Leest is painted in oil on a wooden panel with dimensions of 68 cm in height and 58 cm in width. The handling reflects the Amsterdam portrait style of the mid-17th century, characterized by smooth, blended transitions in the modeling of the face and costume details that emphasize the sitter’s presence and social standing.
The composition centers on the half-length figure, rendered with understated realism and subdued palette, typical of Bartholomeus van der Helst’s mature work. The brushwork remains restrained, with careful attention to the rendering of lace and fabric textures, while the overall tonality favors muted earth tones against a neutral background.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Maria Pietersdr de Leest was painted by Bartholomeus van der Helst in 1646, as indicated by the artist and date recorded in both the institutional record and the painting’s catalog entry. The work entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is held today. Prior to its acquisition by the museum, the painting was owned by Gerrit van der Pot, whose name appears in the museum’s records as the painting’s pre-19th-century owner.
The portrait of Maria Pietersdr de Leest is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The work was previously owned by Gerrit van der Pot before entering the museum's holdings. No specific inventory or accession number is provided in the available records, nor is there any documented exhibition history for this piece.
Overview
This 1646 oil-on-canvas portrait by Bartholomeus van der Helst depicts Maria Pietersdr de Leest, wife of Samuel van Lansbergen. It is a characteristic work of the Dutch Golden Age, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the elegance of Amsterdam's upper class.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait presents a straightforward representation of its subject, emphasizing her dignified presence through formal attire and a neutral expression. The absence of jewelry or other adornments suggests a focus on the subject's character rather than material wealth.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Bartholomeus van der Helst (1613 – buried 16 December 1670) was a Dutch painter. Considered to be one of the leading portrait painters of the Dutch Golden Age, his elegant portraits gained him the patronage of…
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