Portrait of Margarita Courten (1564-1640)

The portrait of Margarita Courten was painted by Salomon Mesdach in 1625, executed in oil paint on panel. According to the documented provenance, the work was owned by Jacob de Witte van Citters before entering the Rijksmuseum collection, where it is currently held.

The painting's enduring scholarly attention stems from its rarity as a dated, signed portrait from Salomon Mesdach's mature period, particularly given his limited documented output. Art historians regard it as a significant example of 17th-century Dutch portraiture, reflecting the era's focus on individual likeness and status. Its presence in the Rijksmuseum collection, acquired from Jacob de Witte van Citters' estate, anchors its provenance within a major national institution, facilitating ongoing study of Mesdach's technique and the broader context of portraiture in the Dutch Golden Age.

Salomon Mesdach's 'Portrait of Margarita Courten (1564-1640)' is a 1625 oil painting housed at the Rijksmuseum. It depicts Margarita Courten in formal attire, characterized by a black dress, lace cuffs, a white ruffled collar, and a wide-brimmed black hat.

The subject, Margarita Courten, is portrayed in a pose of quiet dignity, with her hands resting on a colorful tablecloth beside her. The overall composition conveys a sense of solemnity and refinement, typical of formal portraiture from the early 17th century.

As a representative work of Mesdach's, the portrait contributes to the understanding of early 17th-century Dutch portraiture, showcasing the artist's skill in capturing the essence of his sitters through detailed, realistic depictions.