Portrait of a Member of the Van der Mersch Family by Cornelis Troost

Portrait of a Member of the Van der Mersch Family 1736

drawing

character portrait

oil painting

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underpainting

sketch

artist choice

painting painterly

portrait art

fine art portrait

celebrity portrait

digital portrait

"Portrait of a Member of the Van der Mersch Family" (1736) by Cornelis Troost is a Baroque portrait depicting a member of the Van der Mersch family in a seated pose with a cello at their side. The subject's attire and the presence of sheet music suggest their musical interests, creating a strong association with the art of music. Troost, known for his masterful portraits and interiors, captures the sitter in a moment of contemplation, showcasing the realism and detail characteristic of his style. This artwork, now housed in the Rijksmuseum, offers a glimpse into the life and culture of a wealthy family in 18th-century Amsterdam.

Comments

rijksmuseum over 1 year ago

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This portrait invites us to enter the room and enjoy art and music with this gentleman. Typical of the 18th century is the lack of distance between sitter and viewer: the likeness is not intimidating. We stand face to face with a cheerful young man, member of a wealthy Mennonite family from Amsterdam. The visit has caught him unawares: on his shoulder are traces of powder spilled while he powdered his wig.