Cornelis Tromp (1629-91). Lieutenant-Admiral General 1668

Jan Mijtens painted this portrait of Cornelis Tromp, Lieutenant-Admiral General, using oil on canvas. The artist’s work is inextricably bound to the history it depicts. Mijtens applied many layers of paint to create the appearance of fabric, skin, and light reflecting on metal. Oil paint allows for a rich and varied surface texture, creating an impressive likeness of the Lieutenant-Admiral General. The artist has achieved minute detail in the depiction of Tromp, yet the painting also illustrates the labor, politics, and consumption of resources in 17th century Netherlands. In that moment of history, painting itself could be considered a medium of power, used to portray individuals of high status. Mijtens' work draws upon the skilled traditions of painting, while acknowledging the social context of labor, trade, and naval power. This portrait reminds us that all forms of making carry cultural meaning, challenging the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.