Aert van Nes (1626-1693), Vice Admiral — Bartholomeus van der Helst

Bartholomeus van der Helst. Painted 1668.

Aert van Nes and his wife Geertruida van Dubbelde, by Bartholomeus van der Helst, 1668. (Background scenes painted by Ludolf Bakhuysen). High-ranking naval officers commanded considerable respect in the Republic. Here, Lieutenant-Admiral Van Nes (c. 1625-1693) and his wife show off their status. The couple had their portraits painted by one of the leading portrait artists of the day. Their clothes are obviously expensive, and Geertruida's jewellery is equally costly. She is pointing to her husband, whose position has brought them prosperity. In the background of the portrait, the ships anchored in the safety of the harbour illustrate her role; the battle in the background of Van Nes's portrait refers to his. He is holding a baton, signalling his naval rank. A servant (his hat submissively in his hand) is bringing a message.

From the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam.

oil paint (paint), canvas · Original size: 125 × 139 cm

Print: 107 × 119 cm, printed on Hahnemühle FineArt archival cotton paper. Museum-grade reproduction quality, true to the colours and detail of the original work.

Frame (optional): a custom-made wooden frame in a matte black finish, cut to the exact dimensions of this print, with an off-white passe-partout mat and protective glazing. Ready to hang.

Source: https://id.rijksmuseum.nl/20027047. Image released under CC0 by the Rijksmuseum.