(Jan Anthonisz van Ravesteyn, Dutch, 1570-1657)

Portrait of a Gentleman, by family tradition Jacob Simonsz De Rycken (New York/Dutch, 1585-1689), inscribed with date upper left "Anno 1624", oil on canvas, 25-7/8 x 22 in. (63.5 x 55.88 cm.); Empire gilt wood and composition frame, 32-3/4 x 29 in.

Brunk Auctions would like to thank prof. dr. Chris Stolwijk, General Director of the Rijksbureau voor Kunsthistorische Documentatie (RKD), The Hague, for confirming the authenticity of the painting. It will be included on the database under no. 309898 (https://rkd.nl/explore/images/309898).

Provenance: Riker Family, New York City, New York

Note: In the letter accompanying the lot, Dr. Stolwijk notes, "the composition of the man is very similar to the by Ravensteyn's series of military men. The way in which the collar is depicted is comparable to your portrait, as are the facial features and the hair. In addition, the inscription 'Anno 1624' at the top left is written in the same style as other inscriptions by Van Ravesteyn. The military series does not match the dimensions of your portrait. It's possible that the painting was not made for a series, but as a pair with a pendant of a woman. See for example the paintings of Jacob and Anna van Brouchoven in the Lakenhal, Leiden. The portrait of
Jacob is also dated in the upper left corner, as is the portrait of Cornelis van Beveren. This signature is applied in a lighter colour, as in your painting. We've compared both signatures (we have a high resolution photo of the Van Beveren portrait) and it's almost identical to your painting."

Jacob Simonsz De Rycken was son and scion of a wealthy corn merchant family, and good friends with the Prince of Orange. He distinguished himself by his military service. He changed his name to "Riker" (aka Riker's Island) when he moved to New Amsterdam in 1638.

lined, restretched on late 19th/early 20th century stretcher, retouch in face and in background, craquelure, crackle, some points of overcleaning in background and ruff; frame with abrasions, split at bottom, and wear commensurate with age