Mr. Pieter Cornelis Hasselaer - George van der Mijn

A formal group portrait of the Hasselaer family by George van der Mijn, capturing the refined attire and social status of the Dutch elite in 1763.

This group portrait by George van der Mijn depicts Pieter Cornelis Hasselaer, a prominent figure in the Dutch East India Company and a mayor of Amsterdam, alongside his family. The composition follows the conventions of eighteenth-century Dutch portraiture, where the arrangement of figures communicates social standing and familial cohesion. Hasselaer occupies a central position, seated in a dark coat, while his wife and children are grouped around him in a formal interior setting.

The painting features a muted colour palette, dominated by deep greens, dark tones, and the soft sheen of silk garments. The figures wear clothing typical of the period, with lace details and structured silhouettes that reflect the fashion of the Dutch elite. A notable element of the composition is the inclusion of a framed portrait within the painting, which adds a layer of visual complexity to the scene. The lighting is controlled, directing the viewer's attention to the faces and the interactions between the family members.

Van der Mijn, a Dutch painter who spent time in London, brought a refined sensibility to his portraiture. His work often captures the quiet dignity of his subjects, avoiding excessive theatricality. The interior is sparsely furnished, allowing the focus to remain on the individuals. The presence of a screen and a wall-mounted mirror or panel provides a sense of depth to the room. This work provides a record of the Hasselaer family, documenting their appearance and status during the mid-eighteenth century. The precision in the rendering of textiles and the subtle expressions on the faces of the children and adults demonstrate the technical skill of the artist. It is a representative example of the portraiture commissioned by the wealthy merchant class in Amsterdam during this era.