Artwork

Portrait of an officer

Portrait of an officer, by Jan van Ravesteyn, oil, 1615
Portrait of an officer, by Jan van Ravesteyn, oil, 1615

Portrait of an officer is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan van Ravesteyn. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

As a genre painting classified as a portrait, the piece serves to record the likeness of the subject, who is the main focus of the composition.

The work depicts a single male figure identified specifically as a military officer. Created in 1615 by Jan van Ravesteyn, the portrait focuses on the representation of this individual in a military capacity. As a genre painting classified as a portrait, the piece serves to record the likeness of the subject, who is the main focus of the composition.

The subject is presented as a man, with the iconography centered entirely on his identity as an officer.

Technique & Style

Created in 1615 by Jan van Ravesteyn, this portrait of a military officer is executed in oil paint on a panel support. The work measures 64 cm in height and 48.4 cm in width. As a formal portrait, the composition focuses on the depiction of a single male subject, adhering to the conventions of the genre during the early seventeenth century.

The application of oil medium on wood panel was a standard technique for Dutch portraiture of this period, allowing for detailed rendering of the sitter's features and attire.

History & Provenance

The work titled Portrait of an officer was created by Jan van Ravesteyn in 1615. It was painted as an oil work on panel and is classified as a portrait of a military officer. The painting entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display in the National Art Gallery of the Netherlands.

Overview

Created in 1615, this oil on canvas portrait presents a Dutch military officer rendered by Jan van Ravesteyn, a painter active in The Hague during the Dutch Golden Age. The work belongs to the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the courtly portraiture of its era.

Portrait of an Officer
Portrait of an Officer, Jan van Ravesteyn

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Ravesteyn

Artist

Jan van Ravesteyn

Jan Anthoniszoon (abbr. Anthonisz.) van Ravesteyn (c. 1572 – buried 21 June 1657) was a successful portrait painter to the Dutch court in The Hague.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of an officer?

Portrait of an officer was painted by Jan van Ravesteyn in 1615-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of an officer?

Portrait of an officer is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of an officer?

Portrait of an officer is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of an officer?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of an officer are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.