Details

Object type

painting; portrait

Title

Captain Willem van der Zaan

Artist/Maker

Bartholomeus van der Helst artist

Culture/School

Dutch

Place Associated

Holland, Amsterdam (place associated)

Date

1662

Materials

oil on canvas

Dimensions

framed: 1405 x 1195 x 100 mm;unframed: 1130 mm x 914 mm

Description

Painting entitled 'Portrait of a Dutch naval commander', by Bartholomeus van der Helst, 1662. This portrait commemorates the life and achievements of a successful naval commander, perhaps Captain Willem van der Zaan (1621-69) of Amsterdam. The sitter is shown in a flattering pose to indicate his importance. He wears expensive clothes and a gold medal presented by the Admiralty of Amsterdam for naval service. In the background we see a sea battle. This indicates the vital role played by the fleet in the prosperity of seventeenth century Holland.

Credit Line/Donor

Purchased from Martin Colnaghi, 1895

ID Number

725

Location

Kelvingrove Dutch Art Gallery