Artwork

MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife

MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife, by George Hendrik Breitner, oil, 1905
MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife, by George Hendrik Breitner, oil, 1905

MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist George Hendrik Breitner. It dates from 1905 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting on panel, measuring 22.5 by 18 cm. Its small scale and the use of oil on panel suggest a direct, intimate handling suited to portraiture. The genre classification as portrait indicates a focus on the depiction of an individual, consistent with Breitner's realist approach to figure painting in the early twentieth century.

History & Provenance

The painting titled The Artist's Wife was created in 1905 by George Hendrik Breitner. It is an oil on panel portrait measuring 22.5 cm by 18 cm. The work entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display.

Legacy

MCJ Jordan's portrait by George Hendrik Breitner, painted in 1905, continues to be recognized through its presence in the Rijksmuseum collection, where it is cataloged as a significant example of Dutch portraiture. The work's enduring visibility in a major institutional archive underscores its lasting relevance within art historical discourse, reflecting the artist's technical mastery and thematic focus on intimate domestic subjects.

The painting's inclusion in the Rijksmuseum's holdings ensures ongoing scholarly attention and public access, contributing to the understanding of early 20th-century portraiture and the artistic milieu of Amsterdam.

Overview

MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife is an 1905 oil-on-canvas portrait by George Hendrik Breitner, a key figure in Amsterdam Impressionism. The work captures the artist's wife in a contemplative pose, characterized by expressive brushwork and a predominantly dark color palette.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Marie Jordan, is depicted in a three-quarter view, lost in thought. Her blurred facial features and introspective posture convey a sense of quiet contemplation, while the dramatic lighting and dark attire add depth and intensity to her portrayal.

Context

While Breitner often depicted urban life and fleeting outdoor moments, this piece showcases his ability to apply Impressionist principles to intimate, indoor scenes, highlighting the emotional nuances of a personal subject.

Portrait Study of a Man
Portrait Study of a Man, James McNeill Whistler

Artist & collection

Portrait of George Hendrik Breitner

Artist

George Hendrik Breitner

George Hendrik Breitner (12 September 1857 – 5 June 1923) was a Dutch painter and photographer.

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 MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife?

MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife was painted by George Hendrik Breitner in 1905.

Where can I see MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife?

MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife?

MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife?

Museum-quality prints of MCJ (Marie) Jordan (1866-1948), The Artist's Wife are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.