This double portrait was painted two years after Jan van Amstel’s death. The couple’s status is emphasised by their surroundings, their expensive clothes and the presence of an African boy who most likely came to the Netherlands via the slave trade. The ship in the background refers to Van Amstel’s role as a captain, as does the staff in his hand. Posthumous portraits were not uncommon in the 17th century, mostly commissioned by family members.
Specifications
| Title | Portrait of Jan van Amstel and his wife Anna Boxhoorn |
|---|---|
| Material and technique | Oil on canvas |
| Object type |
Painting
> Painting
> Two-dimensional object
> Art object
|
| Location | This object is in storage |
| Dimensions |
Width 181 cm Height 142 cm |
|---|---|
| Artists |
Schilder:
Abraham van den Tempel
|
| Accession number | 1852 (OK) |
| Credits | Aankoop / Purchase: 1865 |
| Department | Old Masters |
| Acquisition date | 1865 |
| Age artist | About 49 years old |
| Research |
Alma |
| Material | |
| Object | |
| Geographical origin | Northern Netherlands > The Netherlands > Western Europe > Europe |
