Portrait of Gerard van Bergen, Director of the Rotterdam Chamber of the Dutch East India Company, elected 1653

About this artwork

Portret van Gerard van Bergen (gest. 1663), gekozen in 1653. Buste in ovaal naar rechts. Onderdeel van een reeks portretten van de bewindhebbers van de Rotterdamse Kamer van de Verenigde Oost-Indische Compagnie, vervaardigd voor het Nieuw Oost-Indisch Huis uit 1698 aan de Boompjes te Rotterdam.

Art Historical Context

This elegant bust portrait captures Gerard van Bergen (d. 1663), a prominent director of the Rotterdam Chamber of Dutch East India Company (), elected in 165. Painted by Pieter van der Werff a leading Dutch artist of the late Baroque period known for his refined and polished style, the work dates between 1695 and 1722—likely posthumous, as van Bergen had passed away decades earlier. Rendered in oil on canvas (82 × 68 cm), it depicts him in an oval frame facing right, a format evoking classical medallions and lending a sense of timeless authority. As part of a prestigious series of VOC directo...

About the Artist

Pieter van der Werff · 1665–1722

Pieter van der Werff was the younger brother and pupil of Adriaan van der Werff. He was senior member of the Rotterdam painters' guild in 1703 and 1715. For a number of years, van der Werff simply made copies of works by Adriaan. Later, he produced original works in the manner of his older brother, including history paintings, portraits and genre scenes, almost always on a small scale. Comment on...