Who painted The notary's office?

The notary's office was painted by Jan Woutersz Stap in 1629.

Where can I see The notary's office?

The notary's office is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is The notary's office?

The notary's office is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of The notary's office?

Museum-quality prints of The notary's office are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

The notary's office

Jan Woutersz Stap , 1629

The notary's office is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jan Woutersz Stap. It dates from 1629 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

Jan Woutersz Stap executed The Notary's Office in 1629 as an oil painting on canvas. Classified as a history painting, the work measures 75.5 cm in height and 106.5 cm in width. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

History & Provenance

The piece was historically owned by Jan Hendrik Cremer before entering the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is currently held.

Jan Woutersz Stap created the oil painting The notary's office in 1629. Executed on canvas, the work measures 75.5 cm in height and 106.5 cm in width. The piece was historically owned by Jan Hendrik Cremer before entering the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is currently held.

No specific details regarding the original commission or the intermediate steps of its ownership chain between Cremer and the museum are provided in the available records.

Context

Jan Woutersz Stap painted The notary's office in 1629, a work classified as a history painting and executed in oil on canvas. The dimensions of 75.5 cm by 106.5 cm correspond to the measurements recorded in the source. The painting is part of the Rijksmuseum collection and was owned by Jan Hendrik Cremer at the time of its creation.

It is recognized as a notable example of Dutch Golden Age history painting, reflecting the period's emphasis on civic documentation and narrative detail.

Overview

Jan Woutersz Stap’s oil on canvas, dated 1629, depicts a modest interior where a small group is gathered around a table. The composition is anchored by an open ledger and scattered coins, suggesting a transactional moment. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, representing a domestic genre scene from the Dutch Golden Age.

Subject & Meaning

Four figures occupy the space, each engaged with a central document that appears to be a contract or deed. One individual gestures toward the text, directing the attention of the others, while the presence of currency on the page hints at a legal or financial agreement being finalized within the notary’s office.