Artwork

Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam

Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam, by Dionys van Nijmegen, oil, 1750
Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam, by Dionys van Nijmegen, oil, 1750

Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Dionys van Nijmegen. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

The choice of copper as a grounding material allows for the fine detail and smooth finish characteristic of small-scale portraiture from this period.

Executed in 1750 by Dionys van Nijmegen, this portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a copper support. The choice of copper as a grounding material allows for the fine detail and smooth finish characteristic of small-scale portraiture from this period. The work measures 11 cm in height and 9 cm in width, indicating an intimate format intended for close viewing.

As a painted portrait, the piece focuses on the likeness of the poet Adriaan van der Vliet, rendered through the precise handling of the oil medium on the rigid metal surface.

History & Provenance

Dionys van Nijmegen created Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam in 1750 as a copper support painting in oil. The work entered the Rijksmuseum collection, where it remains on display.

The painting was commissioned as a portrait of the Rotterdam-based poet Adriaan van der Vliet. Its dimensions measure 11 centimeters by 9 centimeters, and it was produced in 1750.

Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam is part of the Rijksmuseum collection in Amsterdam. The work is catalogued under the inventory number SK-A-2567. It was displayed in the Rijksmuseum exhibition titled 'Dutch Masters: Portraits from the Golden Age' from 2018 to 2019.

Context

Dionys van Nijmegen painted Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam in 1750 as an oil-on-copper portrait now held by the Rijksmuseum. The work depicts Rotterdam-based poet Adriaan van der Vliet and was classified as a portrait genre piece upon its creation. Contemporary scholarship situates this painting within van Nijmegen's mid-18th century Dutch portraiture practice, reflecting the period's emphasis on literary figures.

The artwork's presence in the Rijksmuseum collection since its acquisition has enabled sustained academic analysis of van Nijmegen's technique and the cultural context of Rotterdam's intellectual circles in the 1700s.

Overview

This portrait, painted around 1750 by Dionys van Nijmegen, depicts Adriaan van der Vliet, a Rotterdam poet. Executed on copper, it is now held at the Rijksmuseum.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is shown in a relaxed yet serious demeanor, wearing a light-colored coat and white cravat, with neatly styled curly hair. He leans forward, resting an arm on a dark background, conveying a sense of contemplation.

Portrait of Frans de Haes, Poet and Linguist in Rotterdam
Portrait of Frans de Haes, Poet and Linguist in Rotterdam, Dionys van Nijmegen

Artist & collection

Portrait of Dionys van Nijmegen

Artist

Dionys van Nijmegen

Dionys van Nijmegen (1705–1798) was an artist, born in Rotterdam.

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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam?

Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam was painted by Dionys van Nijmegen in 1750.

Where can I see Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam?

Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam?

Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Adriaan van der Vliet, Poet in Rotterdam are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.