Portrait of Theodoor van Snakenburg (1695-1750). Leiden Jurist and Poet

About this artwork

signature, date and inscription: ‘Mr Theodoor van Snakenburg geb. te Leiden den 6 Juni Aº 1695. H: van der Mij Fec. Aº 1743’

Art Historical Context

Step into the intimate world of 18th Dutch portraiture with *Portrait of Theodoor van Snburg (1695-1750), Leiden Jurist and Poet by Hieronymus van Mij, created in 1743. This delicate copper work, measuring just 11 cm high by 9.4 cm wide, captures the likeness of a prominent Leiden intellectual—born on June 6, 1695—who balanced a career in law with poetic pursuits. Van der Mij, a skilled Dutch engraver, signed the piece with his initials "H: van der Mij Fec." (Latin for "made by"), alongside the date and Snakenburg's birth inscription, underscoring its personal and commemorative nature. Crafted on copper, a favored medium for fine engravings due to its durability and precision, this miniature portrait exemplifies the technical mastery of the Rococo era in the Netherlands. The small scale suggests it was likely a private commission, perhaps for a desk, locket, or scholarly collection, highlighting the era's blend of portraiture and ephemera. Housed in the Rijksmuseum, the artwork reflects Leiden's vibrant intellectual scene during the Dutch Golden Age's twilight, where jurists like Snakenburg embodied Enlightenment ideals of reason and creativity. A charming glimpse into elite self-fashioning, it invites visitors to ponder the lives behind the legacy.

About the Artist

Hieronymus van der Mij · 1687–1761

A Leyden painter of portraits, genre scenes, and historical subjects. Comment on works: Portraits; History; Interiors