HELST, Bartholomeus van der
(b. 1613, Haarlem, d. 1670, Amsterdam)

Pieter Lucaszn van de Venne with Anna de Carpentier and Child

1652
Oil on canvas, 188 x 227 cm
The Hermitage, St. Petersburg

This unusually large, life-size family portrait was commissioned by Pieter van de Venne, a wealthy burgher of Amsterdam. Theatrical illumination ensures that all attention is directed at the family; their surroundings are only cursory indicated.