Portrait of Antonius Anselmus, His Wife and Their Children 1577

Maarten de Vos’ 1577 “Portrait of Antonius Anselmus, His Wife and Their Children” showcases the artist’s mastery of portraiture during the Northern Renaissance. The family is depicted in a formal setting, with the parents seated and the children standing, capturing their individual personalities. The somber tones and detailed rendering of clothing emphasize the family's wealth and social status. The presence of a still life with flowers, a clock, and a writing desk highlights the family's intellectual pursuits and their place in society. This work is a testament to de Vos’s ability to create a compelling and lifelike portrayal of a family, capturing their individual characters and their societal position.