Buy a print of The Legation from the Tsar of Muscovy on its Way to a Meeting of the States-General in The Hague, Sybrand van Beest, c. 1631 - 1632

This painting by Sybrand van Beest records the first official visit to the Dutch Republic on 4 November 1631 of the Russians, who were seeking military assistance prior to going to war with Poland.9 The encounter was surrounded by a great deal of ceremonial and would have attracted considerable attention in The Hague. The picture shows the magnificently robed emissaries crossing the Binnenhof in procession on their way to the Ridderzaal (Knights’ Hall), where the meeting was to take place. They are entering through the Stadhouderspoort, which closes the scene off on the left and is broader than it is in reality. The fifth man from the left is carrying a sealed letter from the tsar on a cushion, while others are bearing gifts of sable pelts. Two Russian ambassadors wearing tall hats of fox fur are bringing up the rear. Van Beest chose an interesting vantage point by showing the back of the procession, not the front. This enabled him not only to depict the emissaries and their gifts but also the thirteenth-century Binnenhof, the inner court of the former castle of the counts of Holland, of which the Ridderzaal was the most important hall. An event of this kind would have been painted on commission, but the name of the person who ordered it is unknown. The Rijksmuseum painting is often considered to be Van Beest’s first known one, although it is undated.10 The fact that the legation went to The Hague in 1631 seems to have led to the conclusion that he probably depicted the scene shortly afterwards. It certainly could be his oldest work, but that is far from certain. An early execution is likely, since the figures taking up so much space is a characteristic of Van Beest’s initial output.11 Some of them, such as the man fifth from the left, look elongated and are leaning backwards in an unnatural pose. Outstretched figures are also found in the oeuvre of Adriaen van de Venne, with whom Buijsen perceived similarities in style.12 The garment folds are also unrealistic, and the movement they are meant to suggest is unconvincing and leaves their wearers looking stiff. Only one other historical scene by Van Beest is known today, showing the departure of Queen Henrietta Maria from the beach at Scheveningen on 29 January 1643.13 It was commissioned by the Hague civic guardsmen, who were rendered in all their finery at the front.14 It is worth noting that the figures in that painting are on a far smaller scale than those in the Rijksmuseum panel. According to Jan Sysmus, city physician of Amsterdam, Van Beest also depicted the embarkation of King Charles II of England at Scheveningen in 1658, which is now lost.15 A drawing with a grey wash with almost exactly the same scene as in the Rijksmuseum picture is probably a copy after it.16 The only slight difference seems to be in the position of the dog’s head. There are no drawn works that can be securely attributed to Van Beest, and although the ones that are given to him do show stylistic similarities to this sheet, it is still unclear whether it is autograph or not. Marrigje Rikken, 2022 See Key to abbreviations, Rijksmuseum painting catalogues and Acknowledgements

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Artist Biography

biography and artistic style

sybrand van beest, a prominent dutch golden age painter, was born in the hague around 1610 and passed away in amsterdam in 1674. as a pupil of adriaen van de venne, van beest's work was heavily influenced by his mentor, as well as by jan van goyen. his artistic style is characterized by landscapes with figures, often depicted in the manner of isaac van ostade.

artistic contributions and notable works

van beest's paintings are notable for their serene and idyllic depictions of rural life. while specific works by van beest are not extensively documented, his style is reminiscent of the dutch masters, with an emphasis on capturing the beauty of everyday scenes.

his landscapes often featured rolling hills, tranquil waterways, and rustic farmhouses, showcasing his skill in capturing the essence of the dutch countryside.
van beest's use of light and color added a sense of depth and atmosphere to his paintings, drawing the viewer into the serene world he created.

museums and collections featuring van beest's work

though specific museums featuring van beest's work are not listed on ArtsDot.com, similar artists and their works can be found in various collections, including:

the mauritshuis royal picture gallery in the hague, netherlands, which features an extensive collection of dutch golden age paintings.
the rijksdienst beeldende kunst museum in the hague, known for its diverse collection of artworks from various periods and styles.

online resources and reproductions

for those interested in exploring more of van beest's work or purchasing reproductions, ArtsDot.com offers a wide range of art pieces, including those by similar dutch golden age painters. their collection can be accessed through the following links:

discover the beauty of sybrand van beest's landscapes and the dutch golden age through ArtsDot's extensive collection.

Sybrand van Beest

1674 , Netherlands

Quick Facts

Artistic Movement Or Style: Dutch Golden Age Landscape Painting
Artists Or Movements Influenced By This Artist: ['Isaac van Ostade']
Artists Who Influenced This Artist:
- Adriaen van de Venne
- Jan van Goyen
Date Of Death: 1674
Full Name: Sybrand van Beest
Nationality: Dutch
Notable Artworks: ['The Legation from the Tsar of Muscovy on its Way to a Meeting of the States-General in The Hague']
Place Of Birth: The Hague, Netherlands

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The Legation from the Tsar of Muscovy on its Way to a Meeting of the States-General in The Hague, Sybrand van Beest, c. 1631 - 1632

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Artist Biography

Giclée / Art Print

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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

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Total Price

$ 63

Summary

Giclée / Art Print

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Reproduction Frame

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Nameplate

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Protective Varnish

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Urgent

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$ 63

Related Artworks

Artist Biography

biography and artistic style

artistic contributions and notable works