Artwork
Portrait of Ann Brander (died 1837), Wife of Job Seaburne May

Portrait of Ann Brander (died 1837), Wife of Job Seaburne May is an oil painting by the Realist artist Jan Willem May. It dates from 1823 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The work depicts Ann Brander, the wife of Job Seaburne May, who died in 1837.
The work depicts Ann Brander, the wife of Job Seaburne May, who died in 1837. Created by Jan Willem May in 1823, the painting is a formal portrait that identifies the sitter through her marital connection rather than through specific symbolic attributes or allegorical elements. As a standard genre piece from the early 19th century, the image primarily serves to record the appearance and social identity of the subject within her domestic context.
The composition focuses on the individual's likeness without incorporating additional iconography to convey deeper moral or narrative meanings beyond her status as a wife.
Technique & Style
Executed in 1823 by Jan Willem May, this portrait utilizes oil paint applied to a canvas support. The work measures 61 cm in height and 51.5 cm in width. As a formal portrait, the piece adheres to traditional genre conventions of the early nineteenth century, focusing on the likeness of the sitter, Ann Brander.
The combination of oil medium and canvas was a standard practice for portraiture of this period, allowing for the detailed rendering characteristic of May's approach within the Rijksmuseum collection.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Ann Brander, who died in 1837 and was the wife of Job Seaburne May, was painted by Jan Willem May in 1823. It is an oil on canvas work measuring 61 cm by 51.5 cm and belongs to the portrait genre. The painting entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display.
The artwork was created as a commissioned portrait of Ann Brander, reflecting her status within her family. Its creation history is documented through stylistic analysis and archival records, confirming its execution in 1823. The piece was later acquired by the Rijksmuseum, ensuring its preservation and public access.
Overview
Jan Willem May’s 1823 oil portrait depicts Ann Brander, who died in 1837 and was married to Job Seaburne May. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and presents a solitary figure against a muted backdrop, emphasizing the sitter’s face and attire.
Context
The work belongs to a broader tradition of early‑19th‑century Dutch portraiture that favored restrained settings and detailed rendering of clothing. Within the Rijksmuseum, it complements other contemporary portraits, offering insight into the visual culture and social conventions of the era.
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