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Dutch, 'Portrait of a Dutch Commander (?)', probably 1651

About the work

We don‘t know who painted this picture, nor do we know who the sitter is, but his upright stance and direct gaze and the immaculate points of his handsome moustache suggest a man used to authority. The commander’s baton in his right hand confirms his likely rank in the Dutch army.

The picture has been much darkened by age and coats of varnish, but it is possible to see the white lace of his collar and cuffs and the wide sash over his shoulder that holds the sheath of his sword suspended behind him. He supports the pommel of the sword with his left hand.

The building in the background appears to be the Castel Sant’Angelo in Rome. Perhaps this was the Commander’s choice to remind him of a visit to the city, since it’s unlikely that it was painted when he was actually there.

Key facts

Full title
Portrait of a Dutch Commander (?)
Artist
Dutch
Date made
probably 1651
Medium and support
oil on canvas
Dimensions
120 × 86.5 cm
Acquisition credit
Presented by an anonymous donor, 1918
Inventory number
NG3315
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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