Cornelis Tromp (1629-91). Luitenant-admiraal van Holland en West-Friesland

About this artwork

Behold the commanding portrait of *Cornelis Tromp (1629-91), Luitenant-admira van Holland en West-Friesland*, painted by David van der Plas between 1640 and 1690. This oil on canvas masterpiece, measuring 80 cm high by 64 cm wide, captures the stern yet noble visage of one of the Netherlands' greatest naval heroes during the Dutch Golden Age. Tromp, son of the legendary admiral Maarten Tromp, to become Lieutenant-Admiral of Holland and West-Frisia, leading fleets in pivotal battles of the Anglo-Dutch Wars embodying the era's maritime prowess. Van der Plas, a skilled Dutch portraitist of the 17th century, employs the rich, luminous techniques of oil painting to highlight Tromp's authoritative presence—likely dressed in naval regalia against a subdued background that draws the eye to his resolute expression. This work exemplifies the period's tradition of commemorative portraits, which celebrated the Republic's seafaring elite and fueled national pride amid global trade dominance. Housed in the Rijksmuseum, this piece offers a window into the turbulent yet triumphant world of 17th-century Holland, where art immortalized the men who secured its seas. A testament to enduring legacy, it invites visitors to ponder the human stories behind history's waves.