Jan de Baen

Art Appreciation

Born on February 20, 1633 in Haarlem, Jan de Baen was a Dutch portrait painter of the Golden Age, renowned for his refined and dignified depictions of Dutch aristocracy and statesmen. At an early age, he showed an aptitude for painting and was trained by his uncle, the artist Hinderk Pyman. 

Under Pyman’s guidance, de Baen developed his skills and later studied with the prominent portraitist Jacob Adriaensz Backer in Amsterdam. His talent soon attracted the attention of wealthy patrons, allowing him to establish a successful career as a portraitist. He eventually settled in The Hague, where he became the leading court painter, working for the House of Orange and various Dutch dignitaries.

De Baen's oeuvre primarily consists of formal portraits characterized by elegance, rich detail, and a smooth, polished technique. His ability to capture the nobility and refinement of his subjects made him a sought-after artist among the elite. His work reflects the influences of both Flemish and Dutch portrait traditions, with an emphasis on realism and psychological depth. His paintings often feature elaborate costumes, finely rendered textures, and composed expressions, reinforcing the grandeur of the Dutch ruling class.

Among de Baen’s most notable works is The Corpses of the de Witt Brothers (1672), which depicts the brutal murder of the Dutch Grand Pensionary and his brother, Cornelis de Witt. This work stands out for its historical significance and stark realism. 

Another celebrated portrait is that of William III of Orange, later King of England, showcasing de Baen’s ability to depict power and authority with subtle yet striking details. His portraits of prominent figures, such as Cornelis Tromp and Johan Maurits of Nassau-Siegen, further solidified his reputation as one of the foremost portraitists of his time. 

Self-portrait of Jan de Baen with his wife, c. 1674

William III when Prince of Orange, c. 1667

The Corpses of the de Witt Brothers, 1672

Sources:

Wikipedia

https://www.rct.uk/collection/404779/william-iii-when-prince-of-orange-1650-1702

Weisner, Karen. Dutch Painting in the Seventeenth Century. Yale University Press, 1983.

Slive, Seymour. Dutch Painting, 1600-1800. Yale University Press, 1995.

Briels, Jan. Dutch Masters of the Golden Age. Thames & Hudson, 1997