An artwork on Galleree from Minneapolis Institute of Art.
About the artwork
Courtly Procession before Abstpoel Castle1619
Artist: Esaias van de Velde I
Dutch, 1587–1630
Courtly procession on a tree-lined road, moated castle in left distance. Large coulisse tree in left foreground, open hillside before woods beyond at right. Man in center foreground standing on his head. The work depicts Margaretha van Mechelen riding out with Prince Maurits near Abspoel House in the vicinity of Oegstgeest.
40 x 68in. (101.6 x 172.7cm)
40 x 67 1/4 in. (101.6 x 170.82 cm) (sight)
51 1/2 x 79 x 2 3/4 in. (130.81 x 200.66 x 6.99 cm) (outer frame)
Oil on canvas
Painting
Netherlands
17th century
The Walter H. and Valborg P. Ude Memorial Fund and bequest of Miss Tessie Jones, by exchange
In the golden light of a serene morning, the world of 17th-century Holland unfolds gently through the brushstrokes of Esaias van de Velde. A pioneer of Dutch realism, van de Velde rarely turned his attention to the whirlwinds of contemporary life. Instead, he navigated a tranquil path, capturing moments steeped in quiet dignity and timeless beauty.
In this particular scene, we find ourselves drawn into a tender narrative between two figures who embody both grace and authority. There stands Prince Maurice, a storied stadholder of the United Provinces, with an air of steadfastness wrapped around him like a soft cloak. He is more than a governor; he is a symbol of resilience and leadership in an era of change. Next to him, the noblewoman Margaretha van Mechelen emerges, a vision of elegance, departing from her family home. In the distance, Castle Abtspoel looms—its ancient stones whispering tales of heritage and history.
The castle, cradled in the soft embrace of nature, serves as both a backdrop and a pivotal character in this painting. Its spires rise gracefully against the sky, while the lush greenery surrounding it breathes life into the tranquil scene. As Maurice and Margaretha press forward, they carry with them the weight of their lineage and the allure of new beginnings.
Together, they traverse the pathway—perhaps a winding road marked by the footsteps of their ancestors. Every brushstroke tells a story of departure, a moment suspended in time that invites us to ponder what lies ahead. As we gaze upon this artwork, we're gently reminded of the inevitable journeys of life, the bonds that shape us, and the peaceful resolve that carries us forward, much like the characters rendered in van de Velde's masterful creation.
About the artist
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