Portrait of Jan van Egmond (1438-1516), Count of Egmond

The portrait of Jan van Egmond, Count of Egmond, painted in 1510 by an anonymous artist in the Northern Low Countries, has been recognized for its historical significance as a representation of Dutch aristocracy. Its inclusion in the Rijksmuseum collection since being owned by Victor de Stuers has contributed to its reputation as an important example of early Netherlandish portraiture. The work’s dimensions of 19.5 by 13.5 centimeters and its depiction of John III of Egmont have been cited in scholarly discussions of 16th-century Dutch nobility imagery.

The portrait depicts Jan van Egmond, Count of Egmond (1438‑1516), rendered in oil on canvas. He appears as an elderly nobleman, dressed in a dark hat and a fur‑trimmed robe, his face marked by wrinkles and a restrained smile. A gold chain bearing a cross rests around his neck, and he holds a long staff in his right hand, set against an unadorned dark backdrop.

The sitter’s attire and insignia emphasize his aristocratic rank and piety, typical of late‑medieval portraiture that sought to convey both status and moral virtue. The solemn expression, combined with the subtle smile, suggests a measured self‑presentation, balancing authority with a hint of personal humanity.

Created during the transition from early Netherlandish to Northern Renaissance painting, the portrait reflects contemporary trends toward individualized representation of the nobility. The use of oil and controlled lighting aligns with practices of artists working in the Low Countries in the late 15th and early 16th centuries.