Queen Beatrix in Chalk: A Portrait for the Municipality of Rhoon in the Jubilee Year 2000

The year 2000 was a special one. Rotterdam was the European Capital of Culture, and my hometown of Rhoon celebrated its 800th anniversary. As a portrait artist and resident of Rhoon, I was asked to create a chalk portrait of Queen Beatrix, specifically for the council chamber of our village. It was an honor—and a challenge.

After an official letter from our mayor requesting whether the queen would be willing to pose, we received a positive response: Queen Beatrix agreed. This led me to Huis ten Bosch, where she lived at the time, for a photo session that would serve as the foundation for the portrait. It was an impressive experience, not only because of the royal setting but especially because I had the opportunity to create a timeless image of a woman who had led the Netherlands for decades.

The Process: From Huis ten Bosch to Rhoon’s Council Chamber

The portrait, executed in chalk, was intended to symbolize the connection between the queen and our village. I chose chalk for its intimacy and directness—a medium that allows me to capture not just the features but also the personality and dignity of Queen Beatrix. The final work still hangs in Rhoon’s council chamber, serving as a lasting memento of a year that was unforgettable for both our village and me personally.

A Portrait as Cultural Heritage

This portrait is more than just an image; it is a record of a moment in history—not only for Rhoon but also for the Netherlands. Like all my portraits, it is meant to retain its value for generations, as a timeless possession for posterity. That makes it especially meaningful to me: art as a connection between past, present, and future.

A Final Thought

The portrait of Queen Beatrix reminds me that art is not only beautiful but also meaningful. Whether it’s a royal portrait, a family portrait, or a private commission, each work carries a story within it. And that is exactly what I strive for as a portrait artist: to capture stories that stand the test of time.

From Queen Beatrix to Prince Bernhard: An Unexpected Royal Portrait

While I was busy in 2000 working on the chalk portrait of Queen Beatrix for the council chamber of Rhoon, I received an unexpected commission that further enriched my work as a portrait artist. During a visit to a wealthy client in Bloemendaal, where I delivered five portraits of his children for his wife’s birthday, I told him about my work on the queen’s portrait. To my surprise, he turned out to be a close friend of Prince Bernhard.

He asked me if I would also create a portrait for Prince Bernhard’s 90th birthday—of his daughter, Beatrix. A unique opportunity! Not only was I asked to paint the portrait, but I was also invited to Soestdijk Palace to personally present the work during the birthday celebration. It was an experience I will never forget: the personal interaction with the royal family, the atmosphere at the palace, and the feeling of contributing to a royal jubilee with my work.

The Process: A Portrait for a Queen

Just as with the portrait of Queen Beatrix, I began with studies and sketches to "read" the face of QueenBeatrix. I wanted to capture not only her appearance but also her personality and dignity—qualities recognized by her family and friends. The final portrait became a timeless tribute, intended to honor her role and legacy.

The presentation at Soestdijk Palace was a special moment. Prince Bernhard was clearly moved by the portrait, and the presence of his friends made the occasion even more meaningful. It was a beautiful confirmation of how art can connect people—whether through a royal portrait or a family portrait.

Two Royal Portraits in One Year

In the span of a single year, I had the privilege of creating two portraits of Queen Beatrix: one for Rhoon and one for Prince Bernhard’s 90th birthday. Both commissions showed me how portraits are more than just images—they are memories, tributes, and cultural legacies. They reaffirmed my belief that a good portrait retains its value for generations, as a timeless treasure for posterity.

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A Final Thought

These experiences remind me that art connects—whether it’s royal families, wealthy clients, or ordinary people commissioning a family portrait. Every portrait I create is meant to tell a story and serve as a legacy. That is exactly what drives me as a portrait artist: capturing moments, personalities, and emotions that stand the test of time.