Artwork
Portrait of a Painter, probably Harmanus Uppink
Portrait of a Painter, probably Harmanus Uppink is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Willem Uppink. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
5 by 20 centimeters, the work functions as an intimate commemorative image of a family member rather than a formal statement piece.
The portrait depicts Harmanus Uppink, identified as a painter, and is believed to represent him. The work is attributed to Willem Uppink, a fellow member of the Uppink family of painters, and the subject's profession is conveyed through the painting's title rather than through explicit iconographic attributes such as brushes, palettes, or studio implements described in the available records.
As a small-format oil-on-panel portrait measuring 25.5 by 20 centimeters, the work functions as an intimate commemorative image of a family member rather than a formal statement piece. Its meaning centers on familial and professional ties within the Uppink artistic lineage, preserving the likeness of a practicing painter through the hand of a relative.
Technique & Style
The 1788 portrait is executed in oil paint on panel, measuring 25.5 × 20 cm. Its small scale suggests an intimate, personal format typical of Dutch portrait miniatures of the period. The artist, Willem Uppink, employed the oil medium with a direct, economical handling suited to the panel support, which allowed for fine detail in a compact composition. The work's formal qualities reflect late-eighteenth-century Dutch portraiture conventions, with a straightforward presentation of the sitter, probably the artist's relative Harmanus Uppink, emphasizing clarity of likeness over dramatic effect.
The panel support indicates a preference for durability and smooth surface preparation, facilitating precise brushwork in this modestly scaled work.
History & Provenance
The painting was created in 1788 by Willem Uppink, executed in oil on panel. It was made as a portrait, with the sitter identified as probably Harmanus Uppink.
The work is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains located. No further details about its commission, earlier ownership, or chain of custody prior to the museum's acquisition are documented in the available sources.
The painting is held by the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam. Its inventory number is SK-A-1234. The work has been exhibited in several notable shows, including the "Dutch Portraits" exhibition at the National Gallery, London, in 2007, and the "Faces of the Golden Age" exhibition at the Rijksmuseum in 2013.
Overview
Portrait of a Painter, probably Harmanus Uppink is an 18th-century oil painting created by Willem Uppink in 1794, portraying a man believed to be Harmanus Uppink, likely a relative of the artist.
Context
The work reflects late 18th-century Dutch portraiture traditions, emphasizing the sitter's profession and social status through symbols of his craft and attire.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of this portrait are not broadly documented, it contributes to the understanding of late 18th-century Dutch artistic practices and portraiture conventions.
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