Artwork
Admiral Jacob Binkes (born about 1640, died 1677)
Admiral Jacob Binkes (born about 1640, died 1677) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Nicolaes Maes. It dates from 1688 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
" Its iconography, centered on the figure of the admiral, conveys notions of power, duty, and the celebrated status of naval commanders during the period.
The painting shows Admiral Jacob Binkes (c. 1640–1677), a Dutch naval officer active in the mid-17th century, rendered by Nicolaes Maes in 1688 as an oil on canvas portrait. Maes, known for his Rembrandtesque style, depicts the sitter in a manner that emphasizes his rank and authority, reflecting the importance of maritime leadership in the Dutch Republic. The work is part of the Metropolitan Museum of Art's collection and has been included in the exhibition "Nicolaes Maes: Rembrandt's Versatile Pupil."
Its iconography, centered on the figure of the admiral, conveys notions of power, duty, and the celebrated status of naval commanders during the period.
Technique & Style
The portrait of Admiral Jacob Binkes was executed in 1688 as an oil painting on canvas, with dimensions of 43.8 × 32.7 cm. Maes used a restrained palette and careful modeling to render the sitter's features, working light and shadow across the face and clothing, with the figure set against a muted background that emphasizes its presence. The painting's condition is not detailed in the available records.
History & Provenance
Created in 1688, this oil-on-canvas portrait depicts Admiral Jacob Binkes (c. 1640–1677) and was executed by the Dutch artist Nicolaes Maes. The work measures 43.8 by 32.7 centimeters. While specific details regarding the original commission or the intermediate ownership chain prior to its current location are not provided in the available records, the painting is held at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, under accession number 14.40.607.
It has been featured in the exhibition "Nicolaes Maes: Rembrandt's Versatile Pupil," which highlighted Maes's role as a student of Rembrandt. The piece is classified as a portrait within the museum's holdings.
Overview
Nicolaes Maes, a Dutch painter, completed Admiral Jacob Binkes in 1688 using oil paint. This portrait captures Jacob Binckes, an admiral who died in 1677, and exemplifies the formal portraiture prevalent during the Dutch Golden Age. The work is now part of the collection at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, representing a significant aspect of Maes's later career.
Context
Created during the Dutch Golden Age, this portrait reflects the period's demand for depictions of prominent figures. Nicolaes Maes, originally known for genre scenes and portraits while working in Dordrecht, later established himself as a leading portrait painter in Amsterdam. Admiral Jacob Binkes illustrates his mature style and his success in capturing the likeness and status of his sitters within this competitive artistic environment.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Nicolaes Maes (January 1634 – December 1693; buried 24 December 1693) was a Dutch painter known for his genre scenes, portraits, religious compositions and the occasional still life.
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