Artwork

Joan Reynst (1636-1695), lord of Drakestein and the Vuursche. Captain of the Amsterdam militia in 1672

Joan Reynst (1636-1695), lord of Drakestein and the Vuursche. Captain of the Amsterdam militia in 1672 is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Karel Dujardin. It dates from 1670 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

The composition focuses on the individual, capturing the subject with the technical precision characteristic of the artist's style during this period.

Created in 1670, the portrait of Joan Reynst is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The work measures 131 cm in height and 106 cm in width, adhering to the formal conventions of portraiture from the Dutch Golden Age. As a painting by Karel Dujardin, the piece utilizes the medium's capacity for detailed rendering to depict the sitter, who served as a captain in the Amsterdam militia.

The composition focuses on the individual, capturing the subject with the technical precision characteristic of the artist's style during this period.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Joan Reynst was created in 1670 by Karel Dujardin as an oil painting on canvas. It entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display. The work was commissioned to depict the Amsterdam militia captain and lord of Drakestein and the Vuursche, reflecting his status in 1672. The painting measures 131 centimeters in height and 106 centimeters in width.

The portrait of Joan Reynst is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. The work is executed in oil on canvas and depicts the subject as a captain of the Amsterdam militia. While the artwork is currently part of the Rijksmuseum's holdings, the provided sources do not specify a unique inventory or accession number for this piece. Additionally, the available documentation contains no record of specific exhibitions where this painting has been displayed.

Legacy

The portrait of Joan Reynst by Karel Dujardin, painted in 1670, has been recognized for its historical significance and artistic merit. It is part of the Rijksmuseum's collection in Amsterdam, where it is displayed as a representative example of Dutch portraiture from the 17th century. The work continues to be referenced in studies of Dutch Golden Age art and the depiction of militia leaders, reflecting its enduring presence in art historical discourse.

Overview

This oil portrait, executed in 1670 by Dutch painter Karel Dujardin, presents Joan Reynst (1636–1695), a nobleman who served as captain of the Amsterdam militia in 1672. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection and exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age’s focus on individualized, status‑affirming portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

Joan Reynst is shown in formal attire, his expression solemn and his posture dignified, underscoring his role as a civic leader. The inclusion of a calmly seated dog at his feet reinforces themes of loyalty and domestic authority common in 17th‑century Dutch portraiture.