Sophia Hedwig, Countess of Nassau Dietz, with her Three Sons

1621 · Rijksmuseum, Het Loo Palace, Appeldorn

portrait

Moreelse practised his master's (Michiel van Miereveld) portrait style in Utrecht with equal dexterity, less severity, and greater versatility. He helped initiate the vogue for pastoral genre pictures and arcadian portraits. His historiated portrait of Countess Sophia Hedwig shows her with her three sons in the role of Charity.

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Sophia Hedwig, Countess of Nassau Dietz, with her Three Sons

About the Artist

Paulus Moreelse

1571 – 1638

Dutch painter and architect, active in Utrecht, where he helped found the St Lucas guild in 1611. He is best known for his portraits, which are similar to those made by his teacher Miereveld, but less severe. His portraits of shepherds and blonde shepherdesses with a deep decolletage were popular during his lifetime. He designed the Catherine Gate (destroyed) and possibly the façade of the Meat Market in Utrecht.

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