Caesar Boetius van Everdingen: Portrait of Wollebrand Geleynsz. de Jongh (1674)

(Stedelijk Museum Alkmaar, Alkmaar, The Netherlands)

One of the top-pieces from the Stedelijk Museum in Alkmaar. The person depicted is Wollebrand Geleynsz de Jongh (1594-1674). Together with his brothers Jan and Jochem, Wollebrand became an orphan in 1611 and the 3 kids were put under the care of the 'orphan-masters' of alkmaar (Dutch = 'Weesmeesters', an 'orphan-master' was someone who took care of the orphans in a city, they were usually connected with the orphanage of a city). Wollebrand entered the service of the V.O.C. (The Dutch East India Company) in 1613 and stayed in Asia until 1648 were he became the director of the trade in Persia and a member of the 'council of india' (Dutch = 'raad van Indië', India here means all the Dutch colonies in Asia). Wollebrand returned to the Netherlands in 1648 as the commander of the large merchantfleet of Asia. After his return he retired and even became regent of the orphanage of Alkmaar were he and his brothers had stayed. This large portrait was commissioned by Wollebrand himself in 1673 for the sum of 300 guilders. Wollebrand is depicted as a director of trade and commander of the merchantfleet (the staff he his holding in his right hand and the ships in the background). The golden chain and medal on his chest was awarded to him by the Dutch East India Company for his service. Wollebrand died in 1674 and he donated a large part of his assets to the orphanage and the church. This portarit was also donated to the orphanage of Alkmaar - to inspire the orphans. Painting from 1673-1674.