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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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More Artwork

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Study of Two Cows, Aelbert Cuyp Dutch, Black chalk and black and gray wash (remains of framingline in red chalk)
Study of Two Cows
Aelbert Cuyp
17th century
Landscape, Aelbert Cuyp Dutch, Black chalk, gray and green wash
Landscape
Aelbert Cuyp
17th century
Landscape with Trees, Aelbert Cuyp Dutch, Watercolor over black chalk
Landscape with Trees
Aelbert Cuyp
1635–91
View of the Groote Kerk in Dordrecht from the River Maas, Aelbert Cuyp Dutch, Black chalk and moistened black chalk, gray wash (mainly in the clouds, water and sails), greenish yellow and grayish green wash (in the trees and under the houses at the left), and touches of brown chalk (in and under the houses at the left and on the large sailboat).
View of the Groote Kerk in Dordrecht from the River Maas
Aelbert Cuyp
ca. 1647–48
River Landscape with Sailboats, Aelbert Cuyp Dutch, Black chalk and gray, yellow, and grayish green wash; traces of a colorless varnishlike substance (probably gum arabic) on the grayish green wash toward the right; brown framing lines at the top and bottom and dark brown framing lines at the sides.
River Landscape with Sailboats
Aelbert Cuyp
ca. 1640–42

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