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Artwork

Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538)

Master of Alkmaar , 1510

Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538), by Master of Alkmaar, oil, 1510
Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538), by Master of Alkmaar, oil, 1510

Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538) is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Master of Alkmaar. It dates from 1510 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The formal approach aligns with early Netherlandish painting traditions of the period, focusing on the precise representation of the sitters.

Executed in 1510 by the Master of Alkmaar, this pair of portraits is painted in oil on a wood support. The works are panel paintings, a standard medium for Netherlandish portraiture of the late Middle Ages. Each panel measures 42.5 cm in height and 26 cm in width, presenting a compact format typical for individual likenesses within a paired set.

Stylistically, the pieces function as companion portraits depicting Jan III, Count of Egmond, and his wife, Magdalena van Werdenburg. The formal approach aligns with early Netherlandish painting traditions of the period, focusing on the precise representation of the sitters.

History & Provenance

The portraits of Jan III, First Count of Egmond, and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg were painted in 1510 by the Master of Alkmaar. Each panel is executed in oil on wood and classified within the portrait genre.

The panels were owned by Edmond Adolphe de Rothschild and later Maurice de Rothschild before passing to Michael Friedsam, whose bequest brought them to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where they remain.

The portraits have been included in several exhibitions, among them the Loan Exhibition of French Primitives and Objects of Art; The Michael Friedsam Collection; Three Centuries of Portraits in the Netherlands; Dutch Couples: Pair Portraits by Rembrandt and his Contemporaries; From Van Eyck to Bruegel: Early Netherlandish Painting in The Metropolitan Museum of Art; Painting of the Late Middle Ages: Early Dutchmen; and Remember Me.

Overview

This painting, titled Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, was created in 1510 by the artist known as the Master of Alkmaar. Rendered on wood, this double portrait exemplifies the Northern Renaissance style. It depicts Jan III, First Count of Egmond, alongside his wife, Magdalena van Werdenburg, offering a glimpse into the appearance of prominent figures of the early sixteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The artwork presents two distinct portraits, each framed within an arch. On the left, Jan III appears in a dark robe with a fur collar and hat, holding a small, unidentified object. His wife, Magdalena, is depicted on the right, wearing a black gown, a white head covering, and a red patterned fabric across her lap, her right hand grasping a green item. These details likely signify their status and personal attributes.

Context

The Master of Alkmaar, an anonymous Dutch painter, was active in the region around Alkmaar during the early sixteenth century. His artistic identity is primarily associated with a series of panel paintings from the church of Saint Lawrence in Alkmaar, dated 1504, which are now housed in the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam. This portrait of the Egmond couple further illustrates his work within the Northern European artistic landscape.

Portrait of Magdalena van Werdenburg (1464–1538), Countess of Egmond and wife of Jan (1438–1516), First Count of Egmond;
Portrait of Magdalena van Werdenburg (1464–1538), Countess of Egmond and wife of Jan (1438–1516), First Count of Egmond;, Master of Alkmaar

Artist & collection

Artist

Master of Alkmaar

The Master of Alkmaar was a Dutch painter active around Alkmaar at the beginning of the sixteenth century.

MORE BY MASTER OF ALKMAAR

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538)?

Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538) was painted by Master of Alkmaar in 1510-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538)?

Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538) is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538)?

Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538) is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Jan III, First Count of Egmond (1438–1516) and his wife Magdalena van Werdenburg, Countess of Egmond (1464–1538) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.