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A Couple, probably Isaac Abrahamsz Massa and Beatrix van der Laen

Frans HalsAround 1622

Rijksmuseum

Rijksmuseum
Amsterdam, Netherlands

This is probably the marriage portrait of Isaac Abrahamsz Massa and Beatrix van der Laen, c. 1622. The Haarlem merchant Isaac Massa (1586-1643) and Beatrix van der Laen (1592-1639), the daughter of a former burgomaster, had their portraits painted on the occasion of their marriage, 25 April 1622. Her wedding-ring, worn on the right index finger, according to the custom of the day, is prominently displayed. Frans Hals has incorporated various symbols of love into the painting. For example, the spear thistle on the left is also known as 'man's fidelity'. The ivy at the bride's feet also signifies faithfulness: the woman clings to her husband just as ivy clings to a wall. The vine twisting itself around the tree has a similar connotation.

From the collection of Jan Six (Amsterdam). Purchased in 1851, from the collection of Hendrik Six of Hillegom.

Details

  • Title: A Couple, probably Isaac Abrahamsz Massa and Beatrix van der Laen
  • Creator: Frans Hals
  • Creator Death Place: Haarlem, The Netherlands
  • Creator Birth Place: Antwerp, Belgium
  • Date Created: Around 1622
  • Style: Northern Netherlands School
  • Provenance: Jan Six (1618-1700), Lord of Vromade and Wimmenum, Amsterdam (J.P. Zomer), 6 April 1702, no. 89 ('Man en Vrouw, leevensgroote van Frans Hals'), fl. 32, to his widow Margaretha Tulp (1634-1709); ? estate inventory, Jan Six (1618-1700) and Margaretha Tulp (1634-1709), Amsterdam, 6 January 1710, in the large side room ('Beelden in een lantschap van F. Hals, fl. 18'); by descent to Jonkheer Hendrik Six, Lord of Hillegom (1790-1847); his sale, Amsterdam (De Vries et al.), 25 November 1851, no. 15, fl. 600, to Roos, for the museum
  • Physical Dimensions: w1665 x h1400 mm
  • Original Title: Portret van een stel in een landschap, waarschijnlijk Isaac Abrahamsz Massa (1586-1643) en Beatrix van der Laen (1592-1639)
  • Type: Painting
  • External Link: See more on the Rijksmuseum website
  • Medium: oil on canvas

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