Portrait of Maria Magdalena Stavenisse, Wife of Jacob de Witte of Elkerzee, Councilor of Zierikzee

About this artwork

depth 6 cm

Art Historical Context

Cornelis Troost's *Portrait of Maria Magdalena Stisse, Wife of Jacob de Witte of Elker, Councilor of Zikzee* (c. 1726) captures the poised elegance of an 18th-century Dutchrician woman. Painted in oil on canvas, this intimate portrait measures 56 cm high by 45 cm wide, ideal for a private family collection. Troost, a multifaceted Amsterdam artist known for his work as a painter, actor, and playwright, infuses the piece with a lively realism drawn from his theatrical background, bridging the Dutch Golden Age traditions with emerging Rococo influences. Set against the prosperous yet transitioning Dutch Republic of the 1720s, the painting reflects the status of Zeeland's civic elite—Zierikzee, a historic trading town, was home to figures like Maria's husband, a local councilor. Troost's mastery of oil techniques shines in the subtle play of light on fabrics and skin, rendering textures with a Rococo softness while retaining the candid gaze typical of Dutch portraiture. This work exemplifies how portraiture preserved social hierarchies and personal legacy amid economic shifts post-Golden Age. Housed in the Rijksmuseum, it offers visitors a window into everyday nobility, where a simple frame (depth 6 cm) enhances its domestic charm. A gem for those exploring 18th-century Dutch identity!

About the Artist

Cornelis Troost · 1696–1750

Comment on works: Portraits; Genre