Artwork

Portrait of the Haarlem Notary Wernerus Köhne with his Clerk Jan Bosch

Portrait of the Haarlem Notary Wernerus Köhne with his Clerk Jan Bosch is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Wybrand Hendricks. It dates from 1794 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Wybrand Hendriks’ 1794 oil painting shows the Haarlem notary Wernerus Köhne seated at a desk opposite his clerk Jan Bosch, who stands nearby. The scene is set in an interior with striped wallpaper, a plaid rug, and assorted objects such as books, a hat and a pitcher. A small dog rests between the two figures, adding a domestic touch.

Subject & Meaning

The work records a professional relationship: Köhne, dressed in dark formal wear, holds a document, emphasizing his legal authority, while Bosch, in a dark jacket and white stockings, appears ready to assist. The inclusion of the dog, a common symbol of loyalty, subtly reinforces the trust inherent in the notary‑clerk partnership.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil on canvas, Hendriks employs chiaroscuro to model the figures and furnishings, creating a convincing sense of depth. The careful rendering of textures, fabric, wood, and fur, reflects the late Rococo’s attention to surface detail, while the composition remains restrained, focusing on the quiet interaction between the two men.

History & Provenance

Hendriks, known chiefly for portraiture and later museum concierge at Haarlem’s Teylers Museum, completed the painting toward the end of the Rococo period. The canvas entered the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it remains on display as part of the institution’s holdings of Dutch portraiture from the late eighteenth century.