Artwork
Portrait of Jan Harmensz de Marre, Seaman, Poet and Director of the Amsterdam Theater
Portrait of Jan Harmensz de Marre, Seaman, Poet and Director of the Amsterdam Theater is an oil painting by Jan Maurits Quinkhard. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The artwork is a portrait whose main subject is Jan de Marre.
The artwork is a portrait whose main subject is Jan de Marre. As indicated by the painting's title, the sitter is represented in his multifaceted professional and creative identities: a seaman, a poet, and a director of the Amsterdam Theater. The image thus functions as a commemoration of De Marre's diverse public roles and literary pursuits, capturing both his maritime career and his prominent position within the Dutch theatrical establishment.
Technique & Style
The portrait is painted in oil on copper, a support that allows for fine detail and a smooth surface. The small scale, 11 cm high by 9.4 cm wide, suits the intimate format of a cabinet portrait. Quinkhard’s handling is precise and polished, characteristic of mid-18th-century Dutch portraiture, with careful attention to the sitter’s features and costume. The copper panel has likely remained stable, preserving the crisp brushwork and subtle modeling of the face.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Jan Harmensz de Marre was created in 1750 by the artist Jan Maurits Quinkhard. Executed as an oil painting on a copper support, the work measures 11 cm in height and 9.4 cm in width. The piece depicts Jan de Marre, who is identified as a seaman, poet, and director of the Amsterdam Theater. Currently, the painting is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
Overview
Jan Maurits Quinkhard painted the Portrait of Jan Harmensz de Marre around 1750 on copper. The oval portrait, framed in gold with intricate details, captures de Marre in formal attire, holding a paper, set against a muted background.
Context
Created in the mid-18th century, the portrait reflects the cultural vibrancy of Amsterdam during this period, where artistic, literary, and theatrical activities flourished.
Legacy
While specific influences or impacts of this portrait on later art are not detailed, it remains a testament to Quinkhard's craftsmanship and a window into the life of a notable Amsterdam figure.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Maurits Quinkhard (28 January 1688 – 11 November 1772) was an 18th-century painter and print designer from the Dutch Republic.
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