Paulus PotterDutch, 1625–1654The Bull
Can I see it?
Yes, on view now
Where is “The Bull” now? Harvard Art Museums, Gallery 2300, floor 2, European Art, 17th–19th century, Cambridge. Yes, on view now. Checked September 29, 2026.
On public display.
- Checked
- In this state since
- Source
- The museum
Details
- Accession number
- S10.92.1
In the catalog
Sources
- Harvard Art Museums
- Image: Harvard Art Museums — © President and Fellows of Harvard College
In the life of Paulus Potter
The whole life1649
Moves to The Hague: a house from van Goyen
Potter rents a house in The Hague from the painter Jan van Goyen and joins the local painters' guild; for several years he lives next door to van Goyen.
1649–1652 · Workplace
The Hague
3 July 1650
Marries Adriana van Balckeneynde
Potter marries Adriana van Balckeneynde, daughter of the Hague master carpenter and building contractor Claes Dircksz, who lived nearby; his father-in-law introduces him to the Dutch elite. None of their children will reach adulthood.
1 May 1652
Moves to Amsterdam at Tulp's invitation
At the invitation of the physician Nicolaes Tulp, who already owned a number of his paintings, Potter goes to Amsterdam. Impressed by the artist's civilized behaviour and politeness, Tulp has him paint his son Dirck as a noble equestrian, life-size, with the head painted on a portrait originally intended for someone else.
1652–1654 · Workplace
Amsterdam
