Get a reproduction of The Painter in his Studio Painting the Portrait of a Married Couple, Herman van Vollenhoven, 1612

Q: What is the thematic context of The Painter in his Studio Painting the Portrait of a Married Couple, Herman van Vollenhoven, 1612?

baroque illusionism, vanitas mortality theme, delff comparison", zeuxis & parrhasius allusion, artist's self-representation, utrecht artistic center", commissioned portraiture"

Herman van Vollenhoven painted this self-portrait in Utrecht in 1612. He is looking out at the viewer while gesturing towards a couple with his right hand. In front of him is his easel with their as yet unfinished double portrait. The skull and hour-glass on the table allude to life’s brevity. Vanitas symbols of this kind are found in many 16th- and 17th-century self-portraits.4 It was a way for an artist to show that painting could enable his name to live on after his death. The couple in this picture, too, could only cheat death by having themselves immortalized in paint.5 Van Vollenhoven’s painting is very comparable to one of 1594 by Jacob Willemsz Delff, Self-Portrait of the Painter and his Family (SK-A-1460), and the portraits of himself and his wife that Joachim Wtewael painted in 1601.6 The theory that the couple in the present painting were related to the artist, and might even be his parents, is attractive but impossible to verify.7 One of the most striking similarities between this and one of Van Vollenhoven’s other few known works, The Supper at Emmaus, is the way in which the illusion of depth is reinforced by the curtains hanging on a rail in front of the main scene. It is possible that they were intended to be an allusion to a legend about the famous Greek painters Zeuxis and Parrhasius as recounted by Pliny. Parrhasius had painted some curtains that were so lifelike that his colleague wanted to pull them back to get a better view of the painting of which they were in fact part.8 Such a masterstroke of illusionism would also have been a great challenge for a 17th-century artist. Everhard Korthals Altes, 2007 See Bibliography and Rijksmuseum painting catalogues See Key to abbreviations and Acknowledgements This entry was published in J. Bikker (ed.), Dutch Paintings of the Seventeenth Century in the Rijksmuseum Amsterdam, I: Artists Born between 1570 and 1600, coll. cat. Amsterdam 2007, no. 318.

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

early life and training

herman henricksz. van vollenhoven, a prominent baroque painter, was born in utrecht, netherlands in 1585. he received his training in the city of utrecht, which was a hub for artistic innovation during the dutch golden age.

artistic career and style

van vollenhoven's work is characterized by its adherence to the utrecht caravaggism style, a school of baroque painting known for its dramatic use of light and shadow. he was a member of the guild of saint muller (the brotherhood of painters of utrecht) in 1611 and 1627-1628, further solidifying his connection to the artistic community in utrecht.

notable works and themes

* **still lifes**: van vollenhoven's still life paintings showcased his mastery of capturing everyday objects with a sense of drama and intimacy. * **portraits**: his portraits, though fewer in number, demonstrate an acute attention to the psychological depth of his subjects. * **religious scenes**: although only known through written descriptions, these works highlight van vollenhoven's versatility in exploring various themes.

legacy and influence

self-portrait: "the painter in his studio painting the portrait of a couple" (1612), painted in utrecht, is arguably his most famous work, offering a glimpse into his artistic process.
van vollenhoven's contributions to the baroque movement in the netherlands have been recognized and celebrated by art enthusiasts worldwide.

museums and collections

* **aartsbisschoppelijke musea (utrecht, netherlands)**: this museum, located in the heart of utrecht, features an impressive collection of religious art and artifacts, including works by van vollenhoven. * **centraal museum (utrecht, netherlands)**: the centraal museum in utrecht is home to numerous paintings by dutch masters, including those by van vollenhoven's contemporaries.

viewing and purchasing artworks

* visit herman henricksz. van vollenhoven's page on ArtsDot.com to view his artworks and learn more about his life and style. * explore the stedelijk museum amsterdam, which features an extensive collection of modern and contemporary art, including works by van vollenhoven's contemporaries.

conclusion

herman henricksz. van vollenhoven, with his profound impact on the baroque movement in the netherlands, remains a celebrated figure in the world of art. his legacy continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, offering a unique window into the artistic landscape of 17th-century utrecht.

**view van vollenhoven's artworks**: [https://ArtsDot.com/@/herman-henricksz-van-vollenhoven](https://ArtsDot.com/@/herman-henricksz-van-vellenhoven)
**learn more about the stedelijk museum amsterdam**: /en/art/show/art-d3bby5-en/

herman henricksz. van vollenhoven

1585 - 1633 , Netherlands

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Early Stuart, Illustration
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Hendrick Avercamp']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist: ['Sir Nathaniel Bacon']
Date Of Birth: c. 1539
Date Of Death: c. 1593
Full Name: John White
Nationality: English
Notable Artworks:
- Cookmaid with Still Life
- Roanoke Island Sketches
Place Of Birth: England

Dutch Baroque Masters: 10 Paintings That Shaped an Era | ArtsDot

Herman Henricksz. Van Vollenhoven: The Full Collection

Explore artworks organized by themes, styles, and characteristics.

Popular

Collectible Description

Artist Biography

Reproduction Frame

White $1

Blurside $1

Extended $1

P118B $10

P118H $10

P118W $10

P438Z $10

P508JH $12

P508YH $12

P805H $10

P805Z $10

P919BZ $10

P919G $10

P919XJ $10

P959ZH $10

P968JZ $12

W106C $8

W218G $10

W218JH $8

W218Y $10

W307PJ $10

W316G $10

W316PJ $8

W316Y $10

W398PJ $8

W4111J $10

W500HY $15

W500JH $15

W692G $12

W849H $8

W940BG $15

W953PJ $8

H24-GOLD $30

H24-SILVER $30

H36-GOLD $45

H36-SILVER $45

Framed

Reproduction Size

Artwork Customization

Artist Skill Level

Nameplate

Engraved Bronze Plaque Details

Transparent Acrylic Plaque Details

Black Acrylic Plaque Details

Protective Varnish

Urgent Production

Included Benefits

Free Worldwide Express Shipping

High-Quality Linen Canvas

Full Shipping Insurance

Customs Tax Refund Guarantee

True Color Matching Guarantee

60-Day Return Policy (Defects Only)

100% Money-Back Guarantee

Bulk Discount Offer

Total Price

$ 338

Summary

Reproduction Medium

-

Elite Senior Artist

-