Portrait of Rear-Admiral Arent van Buren 1721

Christoffel Lubienitzki painted this portrait of Rear-Admiral Arent van Buren using oil on canvas. Note how the artist uses the qualities of the oil paint to create textures and evoke a sense of materiality. The reflective surface of the armor and the flowing drape of the fabric contrast with the meticulously rendered wig. The process of layering oil paint allows the artist to build depth and create subtle variations in color. The painting's material presence is influenced by the artist's skillful application, and the history of portraiture as a means of social representation. In particular, the labor invested in depicting the Rear-Admiral’s social standing and status as commander, speaks to the wider issues of power and the importance of commerce in 17th-century Netherlands. Considering the materials and making process of this painting allows us to fully appreciate its cultural and social significance.