Portrait of Maria Cornelisz, Wife of Silvester van Tongeren 1680 - 1719

Jan Weenix painted this portrait of Maria Cornelisz, wife of Silvester van Tongeren, on canvas during the Dutch Golden Age. The scene suggests the leisurely lifestyle of the Dutch upper class. Maria stands elegantly in what appears to be a private garden with classical statues and lush foliage. Such refined and idealised settings were fashionable in portraiture at that time. Note the presence of the enslaved page, holding flowers, the small dog – symbols of luxury and status. This imagery served to emphasize the family's elevated social standing. Weenix was known for his ability to capture the textures and details of fabric, flowers, and animal fur, contributing to the overall sense of opulence. To fully understand the social context of this piece, scholars consult period documents, family records, and art market information. This helps us unravel the complex relationship between art, wealth, and social identity in the Golden Age.