Anonymous: Portrait of Arent Franckensz van der Meer and Jacomina Claesdr van Ruyven (1550 - 1560)

(Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam, The Netherlands)

Two paintings made by an unknown Dutch artist. On the left is Arent Franckensz van der Meer (? - 1503), Lord of Papendrecht. Arent was a high ranking official in the service of the dukes of Burgundy in the Netherlands and as such he served as Dike-Reeve and Bailiff of Delfland and Sheriff of Delft. Because of his unpleasant nature, he gained the nickname ‘quaet Aertje’ (malicious Aertje). During the 'Jonker Fransen war (1488-1490), part of a civil war in the Netherlands, he fought against Frans van Brederode but was defeated at Overschie. On the right is his wife Jacomina Claesdr van Ruyven (? - 1509). The couple married in 1455 and got at least 1 child. Arent is holding a pink in his left hand to symbolize the conjugal bond between the couple. Jacomina is holding a Holy Rosary, to symbolize her devotion to God. Diptych from 1550-1560.