A recently discovered portrait on display in the Huygensmuseum

As many portraits have been made of a less-known Dutch person as that of the poet and statesman Constantijn Huygens. There are at least 35 known portraits. Now, one more can be added to the list. It is a painting by Nicolaes Maes (c. 1658-1661), known as one of Rembrandt’s most original students. The discoverer of this portrait, an art historian Joost Willink, has loaned the painting to the Huygensmuseum. In the mini-exhibition Huygens in Portrait, a number of these portraits show different phases of Constantijn Huygens’ life. You can visit the museum from 13 July and get to know Constantijn better.

Constantijn Huygens: A Multifaceted Talent

Living from 1596 to 1687, Constantijn Huygens served as the secretary and counselor to the House of Orange-Nassau, the reigning dynasty in the Netherlands. This position granted him firsthand exposure to significant political and military events. Beyond his diplomatic and networking skills, Huygens was a true polymath. He cultivated relationships with intellectuals across Europe, excelling not only as a diplomat but also as a poet, composer, and art connoisseur, placing him at the center of the cultural and artistic scene of his era. Additionally, his passion for architecture manifested in the creation of Hofwijck, the family's country estate, making it a testament to Constantijn's diverse talents.

A ‘new’ Huygens!

It is remarkable that a hitherto unknown portrait of the most frequently portrayed seventeenth-century person emerged last year. Nicolaes Maes (1634-1693), though best known for his genre pieces, painted this portrait at the beginning of his career as a portrait painter. It is particularly striking that Huygens is wearing a hat. For some, this is an indication that Huygens emphatically wanted to be immortalised as a citizen.

Huygens in portrait: spot the differences!

The fact that Huygens’ Hofwijck can exhibit several engravings, portraits by Maes and Caspar Netscher (1639-1684), and a reproduction by Constantijn Huygens Jr. side by side is unique. They invite the visitor to a careful comparison, especially because the portraits resemble each other. Are you up for the challenge of examining different yet similar artworks under the magnifying glass?