Description
The Portrait of Marten Soolmans is a masterpiece by the famous Dutch artist Rembrandt, which is in the collection of the Louvre Museum in Paris. This painting, along with the Portrait of Oopjen Coppit, was created in 1634 and is a stunning example of the 17th century Baroque style.
The painting's composition is incredibly detailed and shows Marten Soolmans standing upright, dressed in a sleek black suit and velvet cape. Rembrandt manages to capture the elegance and sophistication of his sitter, using a loose, fluid brushwork technique that brings her figure to life.
The use of color in the painting is impressive, with deep, dark tones highlighting the figure of Marten Soolmans. Details on clothing and accessories, such as buttons and lace, are painted with impressive precision, demonstrating Rembrandt's technical skill.
The story behind the painting is fascinating. Marten Soolmans was a wealthy Amsterdam merchant who commissioned Rembrandt for these two paintings to commemorate his marriage to Oopjen Coppit. Eager to show off their wealth and social status, the couple commissioned the paintings to be displayed in their luxurious home.
A little-known aspect of the painting is that, for many years, the Portrait of Marten Soolmans was displayed in a private room at the Louvre, while the Portrait of Oopjen Coppit was displayed in another room. In 2016 alone, after an extensive restoration, the two paintings were put on display together for the first time in over 300 years.
In short, the Portrait of Marten Soolmans is an impressive work that demonstrates Rembrandt's technical skill and artistic style. Its detailed composition, use of color and the history behind the painting make it a truly fascinating work of art.