Artwork
Cornelis Evertsen, Lieutenant-Admiral of Zeeland
Cornelis Evertsen, Lieutenant-Admiral of Zeeland is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Nicolaes Maes. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
The work remains in its original support and shows no significant condition issues, preserving the textural integrity of the oil medium.
The portrait was painted in oil on canvas, measuring 148 cm by 124 cm. Executed in 1680, it depicts the sitter in a dignified pose rendered with fine brushwork characteristic of Maes' later portraiture. The formal composition emphasizes the lieutenant-admiral's authority through careful handling of light and drapery, while the stylistic treatment reflects the transition from Dutch Golden Age realism toward a more refined, almost decorative finish. The work remains in its original support and shows no significant condition issues, preserving the textural integrity of the oil medium.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Cornelis Evertsen the Younger was painted in 1680 by Nicolaes Maes while the sitter served as Lieutenant-Admiral of Zeeland. It was created as a commissioned likeness for display in the Dutch Republic's civic circles. After its execution, the work entered the collection of Jan Coenraad de Ruyter de Wildt, who held ownership before it was acquired by the Rijksmuseum, where it remains today.
The portrait is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it is located. According to the available records, the work was at one time owned by Jan Coenraad de Ruyter de Wildt before entering the museum's holdings. No exhibition history is documented in the provided sources.
The painting measures 148 cm in height and 124 cm in width, and is executed in oil paint on canvas. It was created in 1680 by Nicolaes Maes.
Overview
Nicolaes Maes painted a portrait of Cornelius Evertsen, Lieutenant‑Admiral of Zeeland, in 1690. Executed in oil on canvas, the work shows the naval officer in a formal pose, holding a wooden baton and wearing an orange sash. The figure is set against a dark, indistinct background that hints at ships or architecture, emphasizing his status within the Dutch Republic.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter, Cornelius Evertsen the Younger, is presented as a dignified military leader. His direct gaze, serious expression, and the baton he grasps symbolize command and authority. The orange sash, a color associated with the House of Orange, further underscores his allegiance to the ruling house and his role in Zeeland’s naval administration.
Context
The portrait belongs to the Dutch Golden Age, a period when portraiture served both personal commemoration and civic propaganda. As Lieutenant‑Admiral of Zeeland, Evertsen played a key role in the Republic’s maritime power, and his depiction aligns with contemporary conventions that highlighted rank, loyalty, and the prosperity of the Dutch maritime elite.
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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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