Portrait of Joachim Rendorp, Baron of Marquette, Brewer and Burgomaster of Amsterdam several times 1757 - 1768

Tibout Regters painted this portrait of Joachim Rendorp, Baron of Marquette, who was also a brewer and several times Burgomaster of Amsterdam. This image offers a window into the world of the Dutch elite during the 18th century. Rendorp's attire speaks volumes about his status: the powdered wig, the fine lace, and the dark coat were all visual cues indicating wealth and power. Amsterdam at this time was a hub of global trade, and men like Rendorp controlled its wealth and political machinery. The institutions that shaped this portrait are the merchant class and the civic structure of Amsterdam. The painting’s self-conscious conservatism is not merely an aesthetic choice but a statement about preserving the existing social order. By looking at period documents, city archives, and genealogical records, we can explore the complex interplay between art, power, and social identity in 18th-century Amsterdam.