Portrait of Jacob Hobein, Rescued the Dutch Flag under Enemy Fire, 18 March 1831
1832
unspecified
From the collection of Rijksmuseum
1832
unspecified
From the collection of Rijksmuseum
This portrait shows a man in a dark coat with a star medal pinned to his chest. His hair is curly, and he wears a white collar under a high neckline. Behind him, a blurry seascape with boats and a rocky shore fades into a soft, cloudy sky. The medal suggests he did something important—maybe in the military or navy. The painting’s loose brushstrokes and dramatic lighting make it feel lively, like a story. Next, check out Romanticism to see how this style used emotion and drama in art.
