Wife of Sebastiaan Leerse by Willem Bartel van der Kooi
Willem Bartel van der Kooi’s “Wife of Sebastiaan Leerse,” painted in 1804 and held at the Rijksmuseum, is a portrait that broke artistic conventions. While appearing to be a picture of refined elegance, it includes a detail that would have been considered scandalous at the time.
Barbara van den Bogaerde is depicted in a luxurious dark velvet dress, adorned with an intricate lace collar and cuffs, and lustrous pearl jewelry. Her direct gaze conveys a quiet confidence, making the overall impression one of bourgeois sophistication.
However, a close look at her right hand reveals a small, dark object. This is a stomacher, an embroidered or decorated garment worn over the chest and stomach, typically as part of an undergarment. Including such an intimate item in a formal portrait was highly unusual and would have been considered improper for early 19th-century Dutch society.
The painting has a documented provenance from the Leerse family, suggesting its unique details were intentionally included. What do you think this unusual choice communicates about Barbara van den Bogaerde or the artist?
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Transcript
Barbara van den Bogaerde, painted in 1804. Her portrait shows a woman of refined elegance. Notice her elaborate lace collar and pearl necklace. Her dark velvet dress adds to the opulent impression. But look at the small, dark object in her right hand. It is a stomacher, part of an undergarment. This was considered highly improper for a formal portrait.