Artwork

Portrait of Frans van Steenwijk, Poet and Playwright in Amsterdam

Portrait of Frans van Steenwijk, Poet and Playwright in Amsterdam is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Jan Maurits Quinkhard. It dates from 1738 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

Executed in 1738 by Jan Maurits Quinkhard, this portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a copper support.

Executed in 1738 by Jan Maurits Quinkhard, this portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a copper support. The choice of copper as a grounding material was a specific technical decision that allowed for a smooth, hard surface, often resulting in a high degree of detail and a glossy finish characteristic of small-scale works from this period. The painting is modest in scale, measuring 11 cm in height and 9.5 cm in width.

As a portrait, the work focuses on the likeness of the subject, Frans van Steenwijk, rendered through the precise handling afforded by the rigid metal panel and oil medium.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Frans van Steenwijk, identified as a poet and playwright in Amsterdam, was created by Jan Maurits Quinkhard in 1738. Executed as an oil painting on a copper support, the work measures 11 cm in height and 9.5 cm in width. The specific commission details and the original ownership chain prior to its current location are not documented in the available records. The painting is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum and the Amsterdam Museum.

Overview

This 1738 portrait, executed on copper by Dutch artist Jan Maurits Quinkhard, captures the likeness of Frans van Steenwijk, a notable poet and playwright of Amsterdam. The work exemplifies the rococo style, characterized by softness and intimacy.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait focuses on Frans van Steenwijk, portrayed with wavy gray hair and a contemplative expression. His attire, a dark coat over a lighter shirt with a ruffled collar, suggests a sense of modest elegance, reflecting his literary persona.