Our obsession with the perfect picture and how we come across is nothing new. See how two 17th-century masters immortalized the same woman in paint. Who did it better?
When we talk about the great painters of the 17th century, Gerard van Honthorst (right) and Rembrandt van Rijn (left) often come to mind.
Both men were artists with large, influential networks. They had many pupils and charged high fees for their lessons—as much as 100 guilders a year. This made them some of the most expensive teachers of their time.
There are differences too. Honthorst came from Utrecht, while Rembrandt came from Holland. They received different training. And Rembrandt was fourteen years younger.
They were undoubtedly aware of each other's existence, but it is unknown whether they have ever met or been in contact.
In 1632, Rembrandt van Rijn received a special commission: he is to paint a portrait of Amalia van Solms, the wife of Stadtholder Frederick Henry. The work was intended as a companion piece to the portrait Gerard van Honthorst painted of her husband a year earlier.
It is remarkable that Rembrandt was given this commission.
Since Honthorst had already painted Frederick Henry’s portrait and was working for the stadtholder’s court at the time, it would have made sense to entrust him with the portrait of Frederick Henry’s wife as well.
Rembrandt portrayed Amalia van Solms in a realistic, natural style. She is wearing clothing from the period in which the portrait was painted. Rembrandt’s portrait differs from how Amalia is usually depicted in paintings, yet it is still clear that it is her.
Plot twist: Van Solms rejected the portrait and commissions Honthorst after all that same year.
It is clear that Amalia would rather have seen a more beautiful, idealised version of herself. Honthorst understood and played along. The result? An elegant portrait featuring a costume that is not contemporary, but presents her like coming from another, almost perfect world or era.
Compare the two portraits of Amalia van Solms and judge for yourself. Which master brings her to life most vividly?
Does the smoothed-out portrait better match that of her husband? Compare the pairings. First, look at Rembrandt’s portrait next to Honthorst’s.
And now, the two portraits by Honthorst side by side.
