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

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

















