Unknown - Vase with Portrait of Christianus Tis Teyn; Vase with Portrait of Jacobus Boon

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Unknown (Chinese, Qing Dynasty [1644–1912], Qianlong Period [1735–1796]), Vase with Portrait of Jacobus Boon, ca. 1790, porcelain, Hans Lachmann Collection, bequest of George L. Mosse, 2011.5.15

unknown-christianus-tis-teyn.jpg

Unknown (Chinese, Qing Dynasty [1644–1912], Qianlong Period [1735–1796]), Vase with Portrait of Christianus Tis Teyn, ca. 1790, porcelain, Hans Lachmann Collection, bequest of George L. Mosse, 2011.5.14

Although excluded from power in the Calvinist Netherlands, Dutch Lutherans stemming from German and Scandinavian immigrations numbered in the tens of thousands, and were associated with at least two major churches. Many Lutherans pastors and theologians were commemorated in Chinese export porcelain; these vases were presumably commissioned by relatives of Jacobus Boon (1691–1776) and his successor pastor in Amsterdam, Christianus Tisteyn (1695–1780). The Chinese painter emulated inscribed engravings by Peter Tanjé and Jacobus Houbraken after official oil portraits by Jan Maurits Quinkhard and Dominicus Van der Smissen. Subtly varied grisaille tones recall everything from the prints’ cross-hatching and stippling to Boon’s animate hand gesture. A baroque curtain swag over Tisteyn echoes the decorative curves of the vase portraits’ frames; acanthus leaves from the engraved Boon inscription are appropriated to enclose both of the porcelain texts. In addition to this deft painterly handling, the artist signs with a single climbing rose branch.

The inscription on Tisteyn’s vase and engraving contained an elegy both to the pastor and to his portrayers (translation by Rob Howell): Christianus Tisteyn: Church: Lutheran: Amsterdam: pastor: Nationality: Leiden: Batavia: 1695

The art of painting took the opportunity, more than once, to depict doctrine and resolute patience. In the end, it brought a fire and fervor into his face: showed winsomeness and seriousness of purpose, combativeness streaming from his eyes. Learnedness called out to those who saw this. It is my son, in the picture, virtues discover their protector. Religion saw its interpreter in all facial characteristics. The hanging called upon each of them to show honor for the church.

CHRISTIANUS TIS TEYN/ Eeel: Luth: Amstel: Past:/ Nat: Lugd.: Batav: 1695./

DeSchilderkonst, belust om TISTEYN af te maalen/Nam, meer dan eens, beleid en taai geduld te baat;/In’t einde bragt ze een vuur van yver in’t gelaat/Deed minzaamheid en ernst, om ftryd, uit de oogenftraalen [?]/Geleerdheit, die dit zag, rip uit: Het is myn Zoon/De Deugdkon ftraks in’t beeld haar’ Voedfterheer ontdekken/De Godsdienst zag haar’ Tolk in all de wezenstrekken/Het hang’ riep elk van haar, tot eer’der Kerk, ten toon.’”

Barbara C. Buenger

Catalogue
Unknown - Vase with Portrait of Christianus Tis Teyn; Vase with Portrait of Jacobus Boon