Cornelis de Witt (1623-1672)

About this artwork

factory mark

Art Historical Context

This elegant porcelain bust portrays Cornelis de Witt (1623–1672), the Dutch statesman and naval hero who played a prominent role in the Dutch Republic alongside his brother Johan. Created roughly a century after his death, the figure was produced by the Manufacture Oud-Loosdrecht between 1782 and 1784, a period when Dutch porcelain factories began creating small-scale commemorative sculptures of national figures for the homes of the educated elite. Standing just over 22 centimeters tall, the work exemplifies the refined Neoclassical taste of the late eighteenth century. Its crisp modeling and smooth white surface highlight the technical achievements of Dutch porcelain makers, who sought to rival the more established factories of Meissen and Sèvres. The presence of the factory mark underscores its authenticity and the growing pride in domestic production during the final decades of the Dutch Republic. As both a portrait and a historical souvenir, the bust reflects the Enlightenment-era fascination with civic virtue and the remembrance of seventeenth-century heroes. Displayed in a cabinet or on a mantelpiece, it invited viewers to reflect on the dramatic events of 1672 and the enduring legacy of the de Witt brothers in Dutch history.