The family portrait shows on the left the father wearing an imposing Allonge wig. Considering the statue of Justitia in the alcove behind him, he could be a magistrate or lawyer. His wife is dressed in a gown of white silk and has the youngest child on her lap. The other children are enjoying themselves decorating a statue of a nude skater with a garland of flowers. This little joke almost turns winter into summer. In addition, the plaits of flower garlands refers to characteristics such as innocence, purity and virginity. The flower in the large stone pot to the left also has a symbolic meaning. The flower is a so-called sleep ball, which was often called a moon head in the 17th century. Generally these are associated with fertility. Such significant details undoubtedly came about in consultation with the client. Netscher knew these symbols well, for he painted the moon head on various occasions.
Specifications
| Title | Family Portrait in a Park |
|---|---|
| Material and technique | Oil on canvas |
| Object type |
Painting
> Painting
> Two-dimensional object
> Art object
|
| Location | This object is in storage |
| Dimensions |
Width 91 cm Height 84 cm |
|---|---|
| Artists |
Painter:
Caspar Netscher
|
| Accession number | 1587 (OK) |
| Credits | Purchased 1866 |
| Department | Old Masters |
| Acquisition date | 1866 |
| Creation date | in 1667 |
| Internal exhibitions |
Alles kids (2016) |
| Material | |
| Object | |
| Geographical origin | Northern Netherlands > The Netherlands > Western Europe > Europe |
