Artwork
the Diederichs family
the Diederichs family is an ivory painting by the Biedermeier artist Willem Grebner. It dates from 1836 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
As a painting classified within the portrait genre, the piece utilizes the smooth, luminous surface characteristic of ivory miniatures to render its subjects.
Created in 1836 by Willem Grebner, this portrait of the Diederichs family is executed on an ivory support. The work measures 14.3 cm in height and 18.6 cm in width. As a painting classified within the portrait genre, the piece utilizes the smooth, luminous surface characteristic of ivory miniatures to render its subjects.
The specific handling of the medium and the current physical condition of the object are not detailed in the available records, though the material choice defines its formal aesthetic.
History & Provenance
Willem Grebner created the ivory portrait known as the Diederichs family in 1836. The work was executed as a painted portrait on an ivory support. Since its creation, the piece has entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains housed. The physical object measures 14.3 cm in height and 18.6 cm in width.
Overview
The Diederichs family portrait, painted by Willem Grebner in 1836, is a rare example of a work executed on ivory. The piece depicts a family of four in a composed setting, currently housed at the Rijksmuseum.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait showcases a serene family scene with a woman, two children, and a man. The woman wears a brown dress with lace collar and a prominent white hat, while the children are dressed in white and dark blue with a bow, respectively. The man, in a black suit, stands behind. The arrangement emphasizes familial unity.
Context
Painting on ivory was an uncommon practice due to the medium's difficulty. Grebner's choice reflects a desire for uniqueness or a specific commission requirement. The portrait's style and composition align with 19th-century European portrait traditions, emphasizing domestic harmony.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
- A Family Group
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