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Portrait of Cornelis Sebille Roos, Art Dealer in Amsterdam and Inspector of the National Konst-Gallery and the Huis ten Bosch in The Hague by Adriaan de Lelie

Adriaan de Lelie · 1815-01-01

This striking portrait captures Cornelis Sebille Roos, a pivotal figure in the early development of Dutch public art collections. Painted by Adriaan de Lelie in 1815, it now resides in the Rijksmuseum.

Look closely at Roos's direct, confident gaze and the subtle hint of a smile. De Lelie's delicate brushwork, typical of the Neoclassical style, brings out the texture of his white hair and ruffled collar, emphasizing his dignified presence.

Roos was not only a prominent art dealer in Amsterdam but also an inspector for the National Konst-Gallery and the Huis ten Bosch in The Hague. This painting stands as a testament to his influence in shaping the national artistic landscape and the nascent museum movement of the Netherlands.

What do you think his eyes have seen over decades in the art world?

Details

Cornelis Sebille Roos was a dealer and an inspector for the Rijksmuseum.
Cornelis Sebille Roos was a dealer and an inspector for the Rijksmuseum.
He painted this around 1815, as Roos neared 70 years old.
He painted this around 1815, as Roos neared 70 years old.
The intricate lace of his collar hints at his status and the fashion of the era.
The intricate lace of his collar hints at his status and the fashion of the era.
Transcript

This man shaped the national art collection in 19th-century Holland. Cornelis Sebille Roos was a dealer and an inspector for the Rijksmuseum. His direct gaze reflects confidence in his art expertise. The painter was Adriaan de Lelie, a master of neoclassical portraiture. He painted this around 1815, as Roos neared 70 years old. His quiet smile hints at the learned patron of the arts he represented.