New Perspective on the Portrait of Geertruida den Dubbelde
During her internship with The Female Impact and the Rijksmuseum, Anne-Linde Ruiter explored the pendant portrait of Geertruida den Dubbelde, wife of Admiral Aert van Nes.
Through close visual and archival analysis, combined with research into the roles of seafarers’ wives, Ruiter proposes a new interpretation of Den Dubbelde’s gesture and the maritime background in her portrait. Rather than a passive depiction of wealth and status, the painting may reflect her active role as a victualler — a woman responsible for supplying ships with provisions.
Her article, The Wind in his Sails: Geertruida den Dubbelde’s Role in the Admiralty, is published in the Rijksmuseum Bulletin and can be read here.
