Artwork

Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71)

Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71), by L.J. Woutersin, oil, 1630
Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71), by L.J. Woutersin, oil, 1630

Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist L.J. Woutersin. It dates from 1630 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. The Portrait of Sophia de Vervou is an oil painting created by L.

About this work

Technique & Style

The subdued palette and restrained lighting contribute to a restrained, dignified presence typical of formal portraiture from this period.

The painting is executed in oil on canvas, with the support measuring 174 cm in height and 102.5 cm in width. The handling aligns with early 17th-century Dutch portrait conventions, emphasizing smooth transitions in the modeling of the sitter’s face and drapery, while maintaining crisp delineation in the lace collar and cuffs. The subdued palette and restrained lighting contribute to a restrained, dignified presence typical of formal portraiture from this period.

The composition centers on a three-quarter-length figure, with the sitter positioned against a neutral background to focus attention on the refined details of costume and facial features. The brushwork appears restrained overall, with fine modeling in the flesh tones and delicate handling of the transparent glazes in the translucent lace elements.

History & Provenance

The Portrait of Sophia de Vervou was created in 1630 by the artist L.J. Woutersin. Executed in oil paint on canvas, the work measures 174 cm in height and 102.5 cm in width. While the specific commission details are not recorded in the available sources, the painting is firmly dated to the year 1630.

The artwork is currently held within the collection of the Rijksmuseum, specifically under the Dienst Verspreide Rijkscollecties and Museum Martena.

The Portrait of Sophia de Vervou is held by the Rijksmuseum, specifically within the Dienst Verspreide Rijkscollecties (Distributed State Collections) and Museum Martena. The work resides in the general location of the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. While the painting is part of the museum's holdings, the provided sources do not list a specific inventory or accession number for this piece.

Additionally, there is no information available in the current records regarding any past or scheduled exhibition history for this portrait.

Overview

The Portrait of Sophia de Vervou is an oil painting created by L.J. Woutersin in 1630. It depicts a woman from the 17th century and is now held at the Rijksmuseum.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Sophia de Vervou, is shown wearing elaborate attire, including a bright red dress with gold trim and a ruffled collar, signifying her social status. She is accessorized with a gold chain and holds a fur muff, indicating her wealth.

Portrait of a Lady (Margravine Elisabeth von Ansbach-Bayreuth?)
Portrait of a Lady (Margravine Elisabeth von Ansbach-Bayreuth?), Lucas Cranach the Younger

Artist & collection

Artist

L.J. Woutersin

A Dutch painter who specialized in portraits, L.J. Woutersin left behind carefully lit, sober images of 17th-century sitters. His Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613–71) shows a woman in a dark dress with a single…

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.

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71)?

Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71) was painted by L.J. Woutersin in 1630.

Where can I see Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71)?

Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71) is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71)?

Portrait of Sophia de Vervou (c. 1613-71) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.