Equestrian Portrait of Cornelis (1639–1680) and Michiel Pompe van Meerdervoort (1638–1653) with Their Tutor and Coachman

ca. 1652–53
On view at The Met Fifth Avenue in Gallery 615

This portrait of two adolescent scions of an eminent family was most likely commissioned by their widowed mother. Instead of depicting an actual country estate, Cuyp placed a ruined castle in the background, evoking the sitters’ ancient lineage. Astride horses, accompanied by retainers and hounds, the two youths pose as propertied huntsmen, ready at any moment to depart for the conquest of their prey. Cuyp’s skill as a landscape painter is in tension with the relative awkwardness of the figures.

Artwork Details

Object Information
  • Title: Equestrian Portrait of Cornelis (1639–1680) and Michiel Pompe van Meerdervoort (1638–1653) with Their Tutor and Coachman
  • Artist: Aelbert Cuyp (Dutch, Dordrecht 1620–1691 Dordrecht)
  • Date: ca. 1652–53
  • Medium: Oil on canvas
  • Dimensions: 43 1/4 × 61 1/2 in. (109.9 × 156.2 cm)
  • Classification: Paintings
  • Credit Line: The Friedsam Collection, Bequest of Michael Friedsam, 1931
  • Object Number: 32.100.20
  • Curatorial Department: European Paintings

Audio

Cover Image for 5047. Starting for the Hunt

5047. Starting for the Hunt

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