Artwork

Johan Paul Graaf van Limburg Stirum (1873-1948). Gouverneur-generaal (1916-21)

Mina Loebell , 1920

Johan Paul Graaf van Limburg Stirum (1873-1948). Gouverneur-generaal (1916-21) is an oil painting by the Impressionist artist Mina Loebell. It dates from 1920 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Technique & Style

The composition focuses on the Governor-General, adhering to the formal conventions of official portraiture typical of the early twentieth century.

Created in 1920 by Mina Loebell, this portrait of Johan Paul Graaf van Limburg Stirum is executed in oil paint on canvas. The work measures 168 cm in height and 98 cm in width. Classified as a painting within the portrait genre, the piece utilizes traditional materials to depict its subject.

The composition focuses on the Governor-General, adhering to the formal conventions of official portraiture typical of the early twentieth century.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Johan Paul Graaf van Limburg Stirum was commissioned from Mina Loebell and completed in 1920, coinciding with his tenure as Governor-General of the Dutch East Indies (1916–1921). Painted in oil on canvas, the work measures 168 cm in height and 98 cm in width.

The painting has been part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection since its creation, with no documented changes in ownership. Its inception date is firmly established as 1920, aligning with the artist’s active period and the subject’s official role.

Overview

Mina Loebell’s 1920 oil portrait presents Johan Paul Graaf van Limburg Stiren, who served as governor‑general from 1916 to 1921. The sitter is rendered in a formal white uniform with red sashes, gold‑trimmed buttons, and a dignified pose beside a table. A dark red curtain frames the composition, while a distant, indistinct landscape can be seen through a window behind him.

Subject & Meaning

The work records the official stature of Limburg Stiren, emphasizing his military rank and administrative authority through the elaborate uniform and the inclusion of a folded document, likely a symbol of his gubernatorial duties. The subdued background and muted landscape suggest a focus on the individual’s public role rather than personal narrative.

Context

The painting reflects the early‑twentieth‑century Dutch practice of commissioning formal portraits for high‑ranking officials. By portraying Limburg Stiren in his official attire, Loebell aligns with contemporary expectations of state representation, situating the work within a broader tradition of governmental portraiture.