Miles Barton Art and Interiors has dated this 17th Century Oil Portrait to the 17th Century.
Framed: 73 x 65 cm (28 ¾ x 24 ¾ in)
Canvas: 58 x 50 cm (23 x 19 ½ in)
Provenance: Prof. Dr. Franz Rinecker, Rieneck Castle, Germany c.1860; J. L. Laverge Collection, Amsterdam c.1920; D. A. Hoogeendijk & Co., art dealers, Amsterdam c.1950; Private Collection, England
Dr Robert E. Gerhardt, an expert on Van Musscher, who is compiling the complete catalogue of his works, including this portrait, suggested that the painter of this work is an artist close to the painter emulating his style. Previously, Dr.
Dirck Munter was the son of Joan Munter (1611-1685) and Margaretha Geelvinck (1612-1672). Born into a family of successful merchants that were actively involved in the politics of 17th century Amsterdam he was a Commissioner (1674), Alderman (1677), Councillor (1692) and a Mayor of Amsterdam twice in 1698 and 1700, very much following his father who was seven times Mayor. He married Catharina Laurentius (1654-1727) in 1674 and lived in the fashionable Herengracht.
This striking three-quarter length portrait reflects the later refined and sophisticated style of Michiel van Musscher (1645-1705) deemed by Swedish architect Nicodemus Tessin, visiting Amsterdam in 1687, to be the city's finest painter for small portraits.
Born in Rotterdam, Michiel van Musscher (1645–1705) received an eclectic training under masters like Gabriel Metsu and Adriaen van Ostade before settling in Amsterdam. By the 1680s, his elegant portraits of wealthy merchants and ruling families had become so popular that other contemporary painters frequently emulated his style.
This portrait of Dirck Munter perfectly exemplifies this desired look. Designed to exude power and prestige, the painting presents Munter in an expensive curled wig, grey silk coat, and prominent lace cuffs. Framed by theatrical drapery and leaning on an ornamental plinth, he gestures toward the viewer, confidently anchoring his elite social status against a, possibly, idealized country estate.
Miles Barton Art and Interiors has dated this 17th Century Oil Portrait to the 17th Century.
British and european pictures and works of art from the 17th to 20th century
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17th Century Portrait of Dirck Munter by Circle of Michiel Van Musscher, Circa 1685
