Isaac Jan Alexander Gogel (1765-1821). Minister van Financiën

About this artwork

Legaat van de heer W.S. Burger, Antwerpen

Art Historical Context

This striking oil-on-canvas portrait by Mattheus Ignatius van Bree depicts Isaac Jan Alexander Gogel, who served as Minister of Finance during the early nineteenth century. Painted between approximately 1811 and 1813, the work captures Gogel at the height of his influence, presenting him in formal attire that underscores his official role within the Dutch administration. The medium of oil on canvas allowed van Bree to achieve rich tonal depth and precise detail, lending the figure a lifelike presence suited to commemorating a statesman of his stature. Measuring 95 by 75 centimeters, the painting exemplifies the tradition of official portraiture common in European courts and governments of the period. Its presence in the Rijksmuseum collection highlights the museum’s commitment to preserving images of key figures who shaped Dutch financial and political institutions. Bequeathed by W.S. Burger of Antwerp, the work now offers visitors a tangible connection to the era’s leadership and the artistic conventions used to honor it.