Lot 1289: PORTRAIT OF PIETER VAN LOON HOLDING A MEDAL

BERNARD VAILLANT, PORTRAIT OF PIETER VAN LOON HOLDING A MEDAL, Oil on canvas (relined), 91,5 x 72 cm
The sitter is the merchant Pieter van Loon (1607-1679) from Amsterdam, as can be shown by comparisons with portraits of other members of the important family in the Museum in Amsterdam named after them. Pieter van Loon and his brother Nicolaes, portrayed by Wallerant Vaillant, were among the founders of the "Vereinige Oostindische Companie". Our painting shows Pieter van Loon not as the successful businessman that he was, this portrait has a more private character. An indication is the "Kalotje" on his head, the simple cap worn by gentlemen at home at that time. Also remarkable is the unusual piece of jewellery that the sitter touches gently with his left hand. A wedding band is visible, which is not a coincidence. Both attributes lead to the conclusion that this portrait shows Pieter as a widower in remembrance of his wife Anna van Foreest who died in 1654.

91,5 x 72 cm

Signed centre right: B. Vaillant 166(.)