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Artwork

Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General

Hendrik de Valk , 1705

Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General, by Hendrik de Valk, oil, 1705
Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General, by Hendrik de Valk, oil, 1705

Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Hendrik de Valk. It dates from 1705 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

5 cm) suggests an intimate yet prestigious likeness, likely intended for private contemplation or as a personal keepsake rather than monumental display.

The portrait depicts Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, a Dutch military figure who held the rank of major-general. The contemporary nickname "The Formidable General" embedded in the work's title signals his commanding reputation. Painted in 1705 on copper, a support prized for its smooth surface and luminous finish, the small-scale format (33.5 × 28.5 cm) suggests an intimate yet prestigious likeness, likely intended for private contemplation or as a personal keepsake rather than monumental display.

The choice of copper further elevates the portrait's status, as the medium was associated with refined craftsmanship and durability. The work thus functions simultaneously as a record of individual identity, a testament to military distinction, and an object of material luxury.

Technique & Style

Executed in 1705 by Hendrik de Valk, this portrait is an oil painting on a copper support. The work measures 33.5 cm in height and 28.5 cm in width. As a formal portrait, it depicts Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva.

The choice of copper as a substrate suggests a technique capable of supporting fine detail and a smooth surface finish, characteristic of small-scale portraiture from this period. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

History & Provenance

Hendrik de Valk painted this portrait of Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva in 1705 on copper, using oil paint. The work depicts the military commander known as "The Formidable General."

The painting was later owned by Cornelis François Roos before entering the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains.

The painting is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. While the specific inventory number is not provided in the available records, the work is cataloged under the accession details associated with the museum's holdings of Hendrik de Valk's portraiture. The artwork depicts Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, and was created in 1705 on a copper support.

There is no information in the provided sources regarding a specific exhibition history for this piece. The provenance notes indicate that the work was previously owned by Cornelis François Roos before entering the Rijksmuseum collection.

Overview

Hendrik de Valk’s 1705 copper portrait presents Major‑General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, a Dutch military leader known as “The Formidable General.” The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and measures the stature of its subject through a restrained, dignified composition.

Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General
Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General, Hendrik de Valk

Artist & collection

Artist

Hendrik de Valk

Hendrik de Valk (1674–1709) was an artist, born in Leeuwarden.

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.In the collection of Rijksmuseum. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General?

Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General was painted by Hendrik de Valk in 1705-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General?

Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General?

Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Major-General Hans Willem, Baron van Aylva, called The Formidable General are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.