Where can I see Portrait of Frederik Houtman (1571-1627)?

Portrait of Frederik Houtman (1571-1627) is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Frederik Houtman (1571-1627)?

Portrait of Frederik Houtman (1571-1627) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Portrait of Frederik Houtman (1571-1627)

Portrait of Frederik Houtman (1571-1627) is an oil painting. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The choice to depict Houtman in a formal portrait at this specific moment suggests an intention to preserve his likeness and social standing for posterity.

The painting depicts Frederick de Houtman, a Dutch explorer and colonial official who lived from 1571 to 1627. The portrait represents him at age 44, created in 1615 during a significant period of Dutch maritime expansion in which he played an active role. As a portrait genre work from the Northern Low Countries, the painting serves to commemorate and document its subject's status and identity.

The choice to depict Houtman in a formal portrait at this specific moment suggests an intention to preserve his likeness and social standing for posterity.

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting executed on canvas, measuring 129.2 cm in height by 93.7 cm in width. It portrays Frederick de Houtman, a Dutch colonial figure active in the early 17th century, and was created in the Northern Low Countries around 1615. The composition follows conventional portrait conventions of the period, emphasizing a straightforward representation of the sitter against an unadorned background.

The painting's surface retains the characteristic gloss and texture of oil on canvas, indicating careful handling and preservation.

History & Provenance

The portrait of Frederick de Houtman was created in 1615 in the Northern Low Countries as an oil painting on canvas. It entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains on display.

The work was commissioned to depict the Dutch colonial figure Frederick de Houtman and has been part of the Rijksmuseum's holdings since its acquisition.

Overview

The work is an oil painting portraying a gentleman dressed in elaborate dark clothing, his right hand gripping a sword and his left holding a cane. A ruffled collar frames his face, while a belt and a shoulder‑draped chain accentuate his attire. The figure stands before a dimly lit backdrop, beside a globe mounted on a stand, suggesting an association with travel or scholarly pursuits.