Gerard ter BorchDutch, 1617–1681Helena van der Schalcke
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “Helena van der Schalcke” now? Rijksmuseum, Room 2.25 · Painting, Amsterdam. Yes, on view now. Checked October 12, 2026.
Open now· until 5:00 PM
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
About the painting
Portrait of Helen van der Schalcke or Helena van der Schalcke as a Child is an oil-on-panel painting by Dutch artist Gerard ter Borch, created c. 1648. The painting is held at the Rijksmuseum, in Amsterdam.
In the museum's words
Helena van der Schalck, a merchant's daughter was no more than three years old when she was portrayed here. Her silk dress adorned with bows and her straw purse resemble adult attire. However, just visible on her back is a bit of her walking reins, used to keep children safe. The red carnation in her hand symbolizes hope for eternal life. Sadly, Helena died at the age of 24.
Rijksmuseum
Details
- Accession number
- SK-A-1786
What it shows
In the catalog
Display history
On view · Room 2.25 · Painting
Rijksmuseum · Sep 29, 2026 — now · Verified
Whether it was on view is unknown
Rijksmuseum · Unconfirmed
Sources
- Rijksmuseum
- Image: Rijksmuseum — public domain
In the life of Gerard ter Borch
The whole life1646
Travels to Münster for the peace negotiations
In 1646, at the invitation of the Dutch ambassador Adriaen Pauw, he travels to Münster, where peace between Holland and Spain is being negotiated, paints portraits of the diplomats and attracts the attention of the Spanish ambassador, Count Peñaranda, who takes him into his service.
1648
Turns to interior scenes
Whereas earlier he painted mainly scenes of peasant and military life, from 1648 he gives more attention to domestic interiors with few figures: gallant couples, ladies reading a letter or making music.
1648
Returns to Holland
In the same year he returns to Holland and lives by turns in Amsterdam, The Hague, Haarlem, Kampen and Zwolle; in a short time he gains the reputation of Europe’s foremost master of genre painting. One of his great patrons is the Amsterdam burgomaster Andries de Graeff.
15 May 1648
Present at the ratification of the Peace of Münster
In the service of Count Peñaranda, he is present at the conclusion of the Peace of Münster between Holland and Spain on 15 May 1648 and records the event in his celebrated little picture, painted on copper, “The Ratification of the Treaty of Münster” (De bezwering van de vrede van Münster).
