Portrait of Jacob Jacobsz Steendam, Poet and Historian in Amsterdam, New Amsterdam and Batavia 1732 - 1771

This miniature portrait of Jacob Jacobsz Steendam, a poet and historian, was created by Dutch painter Jan Maurits Quinkhard between 1732 and 1771. The painting is executed in oil on copper and showcases Steendam in a bust-length pose against a muted background. The subject is depicted wearing a dark, fitted coat over a crisp white collar, with a hint of his waistcoat visible. The portrait is framed by a gilded oval with a decorative laurel wreath, a common symbol of victory, honor, and success. Quinkhard's meticulous attention to detail is evident in the subtle rendering of Steendam's facial features and the delicate depiction of his attire, highlighting the importance of this individual and his contributions to the literary and historical world.