Artwork

Regents of the Almshouse in 1729

Regents of the Almshouse in 1729, by Cornelis Troost, oil, 1729
Regents of the Almshouse in 1729, by Cornelis Troost, oil, 1729

Regents of the Almshouse in 1729 is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Cornelis Troost. It dates from 1729 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

Thus the artwork represents the intersection of municipal responsibility, charity, and the enlightened ideals of early‑eighteenth‑century Dutch civic life.

The painting shows the regents (governors) of the Amsterdam almshouse assembled as a formal group portrait. As a Regents group portrait, the work emphasizes their collective authority and civic duty in overseeing the charitable institution that cared for the city’s poor. The composition, typical of Rococo portraiture, presents the figures in contemporary attire, underscoring their social status and the moral virtue associated with charitable governance.

Thus the artwork represents the intersection of municipal responsibility, charity, and the enlightened ideals of early‑eighteenth‑century Dutch civic life.

Technique & Style

The painting is executed in oil on canvas, characteristic of Dutch Rococo portraiture from the 1720s. It depicts a group of regents in a formal composition that emphasizes social hierarchy and collective identity. The work measures 414 centimeters by 417 centimeters and is housed in the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Museum collections.

History & Provenance

Cornelis Troost painted Regents of the Almshouse in 1729, as recorded in the work's inception date and medium of oil on canvas. The group portrait was produced that same year, depicting the regents of the Amsterdam almshouse in a Rococo style characteristic of Troost's practice. The painting subsequently entered the holdings of both the Rijksmuseum and the Amsterdam Museum, where it remains part of their shared collection.

No specific commissioner, patron, or transfer of ownership between institutions is documented in the available sources.

Context

Cornelis Troost painted Regents of the Almshouse in 1729, a group portrait that exemplifies the Rococo movement's playful elegance and social commentary. Art historians view the work as a key example of 18th-century Dutch portraiture, reflecting both the institutional life of charitable foundations and Troost's skill in rendering individual character within collective settings. The painting is housed in the Rijksmuseum and Amsterdam Museum, underscoring its significance within major Dutch collections.

Overview

Cornelis Troost’s 1729 oil painting depicts the board of the Almshouse regents assembled in an opulent interior. Nine gentlemen, dressed in elaborate wigs, coats and stockings, occupy a richly draped table, their postures ranging from seated contemplation to standing authority. The composition is illuminated from behind, highlighting the figures against a darker backdrop and emphasizing the sumptuous red and gold tablecloth.

Regents of the Almshouse, 1729
Regents of the Almshouse, 1729, Cornelis Troost

Artist & collection

Portrait of Cornelis Troost

Artist

Cornelis Troost

Cornelis Troost (8 October 1696 – 7 March 1750) was a Dutch actor and painter from Amsterdam.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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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.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Regents of the Almshouse in 1729?

Regents of the Almshouse in 1729 was painted by Cornelis Troost in 1729-01-01.

Where can I see Regents of the Almshouse in 1729?

Regents of the Almshouse in 1729 is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Regents of the Almshouse in 1729?

Regents of the Almshouse in 1729 is associated with Rococo painting.

Can I buy a print of Regents of the Almshouse in 1729?

Museum-quality prints of Regents of the Almshouse in 1729 are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.