Artwork

The apotheosis of Cornelis de Witt, with the raid on Chatham in the background

The apotheosis of Cornelis de Witt, with the raid on Chatham in the background is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan de Baen. It dates from 1668 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work functions as a historical narrative, blending mythological elevation with specific contemporary events to honor de Witt's role in the nation's history.

The painting depicts the apotheosis of Cornelis de Witt, presenting the deceased statesman in a glorified, elevated state typical of history painting. In the background, the composition includes the raid on Chatham, a significant naval event that occurred during the Second Anglo-Dutch War. This juxtaposition of the deified politician with a major military victory serves to commemorate his political legacy and the triumphs of the Dutch Republic during his tenure.

The work functions as a historical narrative, blending mythological elevation with specific contemporary events to honor de Witt's role in the nation's history.

Technique & Style

Created in 1668 by Jan de Baen, this history painting is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The work measures 75.5 cm in height and 102 cm in width. Stylistically, it is classified as a history painting that depicts the apotheosis of Cornelis de Witt alongside the raid on Chatham in the background.

The composition utilizes the traditional medium of oil on canvas to render these complex historical and allegorical scenes.

History & Provenance

Jan de Baen executed this history painting in 1668, utilizing oil paint on canvas to depict the apotheosis of Cornelis de Witt alongside the raid on Chatham. The work measures 75.5 cm in height and 102 cm in width. Over time, the painting has been associated with the collections of both the Dordrechts Museum and the Rijksmuseum, with current records indicating ownership by the latter institution. The artwork was notably included in the exhibition history of the Internationale Koloniale en Uitvoerhandel Tentoonstelling.

The painting is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam, which is listed as the owning institution, and is also associated with the Dordrechts Museum. Its documented exhibition history includes a showing at the Internationale Koloniale en Uitvoerhandel Tentoonstelling.

Overview

The apotheosis of Cornelis de Witt, with the raid on Chatham in the background is a 1668 oil painting by Jan de Baen, a Dutch artist known for his portraits and use of chiaroscuro.