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Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667

Pieter van der Werff , 1708

Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667, by Pieter van der Werff, oil, 1708
Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667, by Pieter van der Werff, oil, 1708

Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667 is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Pieter van der Werff. It dates from 1708 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum. This 1708 oil portrait, executed in the rococo style, depicts Cornelis van Couwenhove, a prominent figure in the Dutch East India Company.

About this work

Technique & Style

The restrained palette and controlled brushwork align with late seventeenth-century Dutch portrait conventions, conveying dignity and reserve.

The painting is executed in oil on canvas, a standard support for Dutch portraiture of the period. Handling is characterized by smooth, blended transitions in the face and hands, while the costume and lace collar are rendered with precise, linear detailing that captures fine textures and emphasizes the sitter’s status. The figure is positioned in three-quarter view against a neutral background, focusing attention on the facial features and attire. The restrained palette and controlled brushwork align with late seventeenth-century Dutch portrait conventions, conveying dignity and reserve.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, who was elected Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company in 1667, was created by Pieter van der Werff. The work was executed in 1708, several decades after the sitter's election to his directorship. It is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 82 cm in height and 68 cm in width.

The piece is currently held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, having been associated with the East India Company's Rotterdam Chamber and the Nederlandsch Museum voor Geschiedenis en Kunst prior to its current location.

Overview

This 1708 oil portrait, executed in the rococo style, depicts Cornelis van Couwenhove, a prominent figure in the Dutch East India Company. Painted by Pieter van der Werff, the work is characterized by its formal composition and expressive use of light.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, Cornelis van Couwenhove, is portrayed in a dignified manner, reflecting his position as Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, a role he held from 1667. His serious expression and attire underscore his authority.

Context

The portrait reflects the wealth and influence of the Dutch East India Company during the Dutch Golden Age. The choice of Pieter van der Werff, though not as renowned as his brother, suggests a deliberate selection for capturing the subject's official persona.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of this portrait on art history are not prominently documented, it remains a valuable example of late Dutch Golden Age portraiture and the enduring legacy of the Dutch East India Company's elite.

Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667
Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667, Pieter van der Werff

Artist & collection

Portrait of Pieter van der Werff

Artist

Pieter van der Werff

Pieter van der Werff (1665 – 26 September 1722) was a Dutch Golden Age painter. He assisted his older brother, Adriaen van der Werff.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

Continue through works from the same source collection.

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Rijksmuseum. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667?

Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667 was painted by Pieter van der Werff in 1708-01-01.

Where can I see Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667?

Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667 is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667?

Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667 is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Cornelis van Couwenhove, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1667 are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.