Nicolaas Pieneman (1809-1860)

Nicolaas Pieneman, born in Amersfoort in 1809, was one of the most prominent Dutch portrait painters of the 19th century. As the son of the celebrated painter Jan Willem Pieneman, Nicolaas was immersed in the world of art from an early age. Trained by his father and later at the Royal Academy of Fine Arts in Amsterdam, he developed a refined and elegant style that earned him recognition not only in artistic circles but also at the royal court.

Pieneman became a close friend of King William II of the Netherlands, a relationship that gave him access to elite circles and prestigious commissions. He painted numerous portraits of members of the royal family and Dutch aristocracy, often capturing them with remarkable psychological depth and dignity. His works are characterized by their precise execution, harmonious color palette, and masterful attention to detail, particularly in facial expressions and fabrics.

While he is also known for historical paintings and lithographs, it is his portraits that truly define his legacy. They are windows into a refined past, reflecting both the stature and subtle emotions of his sitters.

Art Gallery Voûte is proud to offer a beautiful and rare panel painting by Nicolaas Pieneman, depicting a young woman. This intimate and sensitively rendered portrait exemplifies Pieneman’s unique ability to combine realism with emotional warmth. The light brushwork, soft expression, and timeless atmosphere make it a captivating piece for any serious collector or lover of classical portraiture.

Owning a work by Nicolaas Pieneman means acquiring a piece of Dutch cultural history — a painting by a man who was knighted in the Order of the Dutch Lion, and who helped shape the visual identity of the 19th-century Netherlands. His works are part of the collections of the Rijksmuseum and other major institutions, yet remain remarkably rare on the art market.

This exquisite panel painting is not just an artwork — it is a historical gem with enduring emotional and artistic value.

Virginie Thérèse Herckenrath De Fremery, born in Charleston, South Carolina, was the daughter of Juliette Louisa MacCormick de Magnan (1809-1856), a formerly enslaved woman of African descent, and Leon Herckenrath, a wealthy Dutch merchant. He purchased Juliette's freedom on October 20, 1820, for one thousand dollars, and on August 15, 1823, when she was 14 years old, they were married in the Catholic Church in Charleston. They could not legally marry, and the marriage had to be kept secret. The couple had seven children in Charleston. In 1835, the family moved to the Netherlands and settled on the family estate Geerbron near Monster. There, Juliette had eight more children.

Virginie, the first child of Leon and Juliette, was taken to the Netherlands as a child, where she was raised in a privileged European environment. Fluent in multiple languages, she married Dutch merchant James de Fremery and became an influential figure in 19th-century society. Later, she moved to the United States. There Virginie Heckenrath was known for her involvement in social causes and community development. She actively promoted education, women's rights, and cross-cultural understanding. Through her work in various volunteer roles and professional settings, she helped bridge European and American perspectives, leaving a lasting legacy of compassion, leadership, and cultural exchange.

Her story has been the subject of historical research and literary work, highlighting her significant contributions to American society.

Virginie's life stands as a testament to resilience, transcending racial and social barriers in both America and Europe during a time of deep inequality, making her story one of the most compelling examples of upward mobility and cross-cultural legacy in the 19th century.