Portrait of Jan van der Veen, Pharmacist and Poet in Deventer 1700 - 1732

Arnoud van Halen painted this portrait of Jan van der Veen, a pharmacist and poet from Deventer, with oil on panel. The composition is structured within an oval frame, immediately drawing our eye to the subject's face. Van Halen's rendering of Jan van der Veen uses a muted palette, heightening the contrast between the dark coat and the stark white collar. The subject's gaze meets ours directly, suggesting an engagement that transcends the physical boundaries of the artwork. This sense of presence is further emphasized by the precise detailing of his facial features, capturing a sense of the sitter’s character. Note how the framing device itself—an ornate gold border—sets up a dialogue between the interior world of the portrait and the exterior space of the viewer. The garland motif suggests classical allusions, perhaps hinting at the sitter's poetic vocation. Consider, too, how the miniature format influences our experience of the work. Its intimate scale invites close inspection, mirroring the personal and contemplative nature of portraiture.