Portrait of Jan van der Burgh

About this artwork

height 82 cm x width 68 cm

Art Historical Context

This elegant portrait by Pieter van der Werff captures Jan van der Burgh in oil on canvas, a medium prized in the late 17th and early 18th centuries for its ability to convey rich textures, subtle lighting, and lifelike detail. Created sometime between 1695 and 1722, the work reflects the refined portrait tradition of Dutch artists working in the wake of the Golden Age. Van der Werff, active in Rotterdam, often adopted a polished, classicizing approach influenced by French academic tastes, favoring smooth brushwork and composed poses that emphasized dignity and status. Measuring 82 by 68 cent...

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...