Burgomaster Jan van Duren (1613–1687)

Gerard ter Borch the Younger

ca. 1666–67 · Oil on canvas · Robert Lehman Collection

Burgomaster Jan van Duren (1613–1687) — Gerard ter Borch the Younger

Gerard ter Borch was one of the most compelling Dutch artists of the seventeenth century, recognized then as now for his handsome portraits and refined genre subjects. These splendid pendant portraits of Jan van Duren and his wife, Margaretha van Haexbergen (1975.1.141 and 1975.1.142), rank among the most important works by the artist in any American collection. Jan van Duren, a member of the elite ruling class of Deventer, poses in the rich attire of a prosperous regent, while his stately wife is no less suitably clad. Ter Borch presents his patrons in a setting devoid of detail: a simple velvet covered table and fringed velvet chair accompany the sitters. The restrained setting contrasts with and enhances Ter Borch's precisely painted subjects, dignified and ennobled by his sensitive brush.

Artist
Gerard ter Borch the Younger
Date
ca. 1666–67
Medium
Oil on canvas
Department
Robert Lehman Collection
Credit line
Robert Lehman Collection, 1975

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