Rediscovered Rembrandt Portraits Might Be The Tiniest In Existence

Image via Rijksmuseum/Olivier Middendorp

In a remarkable find, the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam has unveiled two small portraits by the legendary Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn, featuring Jan Willemsz van der Pluym and Jaapgen Caerlsdr.

Painted in 1635, these artworks—measuring almost eight inches tall—hold the distinction of being the smallest formal portraits ever created by the Dutch Golden Age painter. They had been lost to the art world for nearly two centuries before making a surprise appearance two years ago.

Jan and Jaapgen, who were closely connected to Rembrandt’s family, are represented in these portraits with an extraordinary level of detail and intimacy. Jan, a wealthy slater and plumber from Leiden, and his wife Jaapgen, were deeply entwined in Rembrandt’s life, particularly through their son Dominicus, who married Rembrandt’s cousin Cornelia Cornelisdr van Suytbroek. This familial bond is believed to have inspired Rembrandt to create these elaborate portraits.

The process of identifying the sitters in these portraits was rooted in historical detective work. Archivist Isabel van Eeghen first proposed their identities in 1977, connecting the couple to a 1760 auction catalog via larger versions of the portraits. The ages inscribed on the panels corresponded to Jan and Jaapgen’s likely ages of 69 and 70 in 1635, the year the portraits were painted, based on their marriage date in 1591. This speculative identification was reinforced by recent research and extensive technical analyses conducted by the Rijksmuseum, which confirmed Rembrandt’s association with the works.

Image via Rijksmuseum/Olivier Middendorp

The confirmation of Rembrandt’s authorship came after extensive technical research conducted by the Rijksmuseum. Experts employed a variety of methods, including X-radiography, infrared photography, and paint sample analysis. The portraits’ bold style, changes made during the painting process, and pigment composition all pointed unmistakably to Rembrandt’s hand and placed them firmly within the context of his other works from the same period.

The portraits, purchased by the Holterman family this year, have been generously placed on long-term loan to the Rijksmuseum. From December 13, 2023, the public will have the opportunity to view these precious pieces of history and art, bringing them closer to the personal life of one of the greatest artists in history.

Image via Rijksmuseum/Olivier Middendorp

“Jan and Jaapgen will bring visitors closer to Rembrandt’s family circle,” comments Taco Dibbits, director of the Rijksmuseum. “It is wonderful that the paintings have been acquired by the Holterman family, and that they are being entrusted to the Rijksmuseum, so that millions of people can enjoy them.”

[via FAD Magazine and Rijksmuseum, images via Rijksmuseum/Olivier Middendorp]