Matthijs Balen Jansz (1611-91), poet and chronicler of Dordrecht 1732 - 1771

Jan Maurits Quinkhard painted this portrait of Matthijs Balen Jansz, poet and chronicler of Dordrecht, using oil on panel. The oval composition, framed by an ornate gilded border, immediately draws the eye to Balen's visage, softly illuminated against a darker backdrop. Quinkhard masterfully employs chiaroscuro to model Balen's face, creating depth and a sense of psychological presence. Balen is depicted mid-act, holding a book open, suggesting intellectual activity. The colour palette is restrained, dominated by blacks and browns, punctuated by the white of the paper and collar, which directs the viewer's gaze. The painting's materiality—the smooth panel and delicate brushwork—speaks to a tradition of portraiture aimed at capturing not just likeness but also the sitter's character and status. Structurally, the portrait employs a visual language that aligns with Enlightenment values, emphasizing reason, order, and the individual. However, the slightly off-center placement of Balen and the somewhat informal pose introduce a dynamic tension, subtly destabilizing the conventions of formal portraiture.