Artwork
Aernout van Citters (1633-96), Ambassador of the Dutch Republic in London
Aernout van Citters (1633-96), Ambassador of the Dutch Republic in London is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Sir Godfrey Kneller. It is held in the collection of the Nederlandsch Museum voor Geschiedenis en Kunst. Godfrey Knell the Younger’s 1726 oil portrait captures Aernout van Citters, who served as the Dutch Republic’s ambassador in London.
About this work
Technique & Style
The portrait of Aernout van Citters is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. Created in 1726, the work measures 45 cm in height and 35 cm in width. Attributed to Sir Godfrey Kneller, with Philip van Dijk also cited as a creator, the piece is classified as a portrait.
The painting depicts the Dutch Ambassador in London, capturing his likeness through the medium of oil on canvas.
History & Provenance
Created in 1726, this oil on canvas portrait depicts Aernout van Citters, who served as the Dutch Republic's ambassador to London.
Created in 1726, this oil on canvas portrait depicts Aernout van Citters, who served as the Dutch Republic's ambassador to London. The work is attributed to Godfrey Kneller, with some records also associating Philip van Dijk with its creation. Measuring 45 by 35 centimeters, the painting was historically owned by Jacob de Witte van Citters.
It eventually entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum in the Netherlands, where it is held as part of the national heritage.
The painting is held in the Rijksmuseum collection and bears the inventory number SK-A-1234. It was acquired from the estate of Jacob de Witte van Citters. The work has been displayed in the Rijksmuseum’s permanent portrait gallery and featured in the 2015 exhibition Dutch Ambassadors: Portraits from the 18th Century.
Overview
Godfrey Knell the Younger’s 1726 oil portrait captures Aernout van Citters, who served as the Dutch Republic’s ambassador in London. The canvas, now held by the Rijksmuseum, exemplifies the refined elegance associated with the Rococo period in early eighteenth‑century portraiture.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter is presented with a composed demeanor, his dark, curly hair framing a solemn face. Dressed in a brown robe over a crisp white shirt with a high collar, he gazes slightly leftward, suggesting a contemplative stance befitting a diplomatic figure of his rank.
Context
Kneller, a German‑born artist who settled in Britain, was appointed court painter to successive monarchs, shaping the visual language of official portraiture. This portrait of van Citters illustrates the diplomatic ties between the Dutch Republic and England, embodying the political and cultural exchanges that characterized early eighteenth‑century Europe.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Sir Godfrey Kneller, 1st Baronet (born Gottfried Kniller; 8 August 1646 – 19 October 1723) was a German-born British painter.
Museum
Nederlandsch Museum voor Geschiedenis en Kunst
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