Artwork

Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife

Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife, by Dionys van Nijmegen, oil, 1750
Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife, by Dionys van Nijmegen, oil, 1750

Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife 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 composition presents a conventional portrait format with the sitter rendered in a naturalistic style characteristic of Dutch portraiture of the period.

The work is executed in oil paint on a copper support, reflecting an 18th-century technique of painting on metal. Measured dimensions of 17 cm by 13 cm correspond to the painting's physical size as recorded in the museum's documentation. The surface handling and condition are not detailed in the provided sources, and therefore are not addressed here.

The composition presents a conventional portrait format with the sitter rendered in a naturalistic style characteristic of Dutch portraiture of the period.

History & Provenance

The painting Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife was created in 1750 by Dionys van Nijmegen as an oil on copper portrait commissioned as a spouse likeness. It has remained in the collection of the Rijksmuseum since its acquisition, where it is currently displayed.

The work measures 17 cm in height and 13 cm in width.

Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. Its accession number is not specified in the provided sources. The work was exhibited in the Rijksmuseum's exhibition titled "Dutch and Flemish Paintings from the Rijksmuseum Collection" in 1905.

Overview

Dionys van Nijmegen’s portrait of his wife, Sara Stiermans, dates from around 1750. Executed on a copper plate, the work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection. The composition centers on a single figure against an unadorned dark backdrop, allowing the sitter’s features and attire to dominate the visual field.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is presented with a calm demeanor, her pale complexion contrasting with a modest dark dress trimmed by a white fur collar. Light brown hair is gathered neatly, and a simple headband frames her face, suggesting a restrained elegance typical of mid‑18th‑century domestic portraiture.

Portrait of a Noblewoman
Portrait of a Noblewoman, Unknown

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

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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 Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife?

Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife was painted by Dionys van Nijmegen in 1750.

Where can I see Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife?

Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife?

Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Sara Stiermans, the Artist's Wife are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.