Constantijn Huygens II in the Garden of Hofwijk Manor by Jan de Bisschop

Constantijn Huygens II in the Garden of Hofwijk Manor 1648 - 1671

drawing, paper, ink

portrait

drawing

garden

baroque

ink painting

landscape

paper

ink

genre-painting

"Constantijn Huygens II in the Garden of Hofwijk Manor" (1648-1671) by Jan de Bisschop, showcases the Dutch Golden Age master's skill in capturing a fleeting moment of a prominent figure in a natural setting. The drawing, using brown ink and wash on paper, depicts Constantijn Huygens II, a renowned poet and diplomat, seated in a garden, seemingly observing a gardener at work. The relaxed composition and realistic detail evoke the tranquility and grandeur of a noble estate, highlighting the influence of Dutch landscape painting. The work, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, is a valuable insight into the lives of the elite during the Dutch Golden Age.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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Regrettably Jan de Bisschop did not make more of these informal scenes; as a draughtsman he was clearly in his element in this genre. De Bisschop’s friend Constantijn Huygens II is seated in the middle, between his aunt and a maidservant. His hat is perched at a rakish angle on his bewigged head. Hofwijk Manor, near Voorburg, was built to the plans of his father, the statesman, poet and composer Constantijn Huygens I.