Portraits of Rogier Le Witer and his Wife, Catharina Behaghel 1635

This imposing oil on canvas portrait of Rogier Le Witer and his Wife, Catharina Behaghel, was painted by Jacques Jordaens and now resides in the Rijksmuseum. The composition is dominated by the figure of Rogier, his dark clothing contrasting sharply with the crisp white of his ruff. This sartorial choice immediately draws the eye, establishing a focal point within the pictorial space. Jordaens uses colour and texture here to emphasize the sitter's social standing. Note the deep blacks and the textures achieved through layering and glazing which add volume to the figure. The red curtain and architectural elements in the background frame the sitter, adding to the overall sense of formality. Jordaens' structural arrangement places the sitter in a carefully constructed setting which gives insight into the subject's identity and era, reflecting the values and norms of the 17th century. Jordaens prompts us to consider not just who is represented, but how the subject is positioned within a network of symbolic meanings.