Portrait of Jan van der Rosieren (born 1581) 1700 - 1732

Arnoud van Halen painted this small oil on copper portrait of Jan van der Rosieren, who was born in 1581. The portrait is likely a later depiction, perhaps commissioned to commemorate van der Rosieren's legacy. Made in the Netherlands, probably in the early 18th century, the painting reflects the Dutch Republic's emphasis on civic virtue and remembrance. Van der Rosieren, with his modest attire and dignified bearing, embodies the values of the Dutch merchant class. The elaborate ruff is a visual marker of his status and wealth. Small portraits like this were often commissioned by the bourgeois to demonstrate their financial success. Understanding the artwork requires us to look into genealogical records, civic archives, and period literature to uncover the nuances of Dutch society. By examining these sources, we can appreciate the subtle ways in which this portrait participates in the ongoing construction of social memory and identity.