Maria Henriëtte van de Pol - Frans van der Mijn

A formal eighteenth-century portrait of Maria Henriëtte van de Pol by Dutch artist Frans van der Mijn, featuring the subject in a pale gown with lace details.

This portrait by Frans van der Mijn depicts Maria Henriëtte van de Pol, the wife of Willem Sautijn. Painted during the mid-eighteenth century, the work reflects the conventions of Dutch portraiture from the period. The subject sits in a high-backed chair, positioned against a dark, neutral background that directs attention to her form and attire.

Van der Mijn captures the texture of the sitter's gown, which is rendered in a pale, reflective fabric. The sleeves feature layered ruffles, a common stylistic element in mid-century fashion. A black ribbon provides a contrast to the lighter tones of the dress. The sitter wears a lace cap and a multi-strand pearl necklace, accessories that denote her social standing. In her hand, she holds a single rose, a traditional motif in portraiture often associated with femininity or domestic virtue.

The artist employs a controlled application of paint to define the facial features and the folds of the fabric. The lighting is focused, creating soft shadows across the sitter's face and hands. This approach creates a sense of volume and presence. The composition is balanced, with the sitter's posture conveying a sense of composure. As a member of the Van der Mijn family of painters, Frans was well-versed in the technical requirements of portrait commissions for the Dutch elite. This work provides a clear example of the formal portrait style popular among the merchant and regent classes in the Netherlands during the eighteenth century. The painting remains a record of the sitter's appearance and the sartorial preferences of the era.