Tempel, Abraham van den – David Leeuw (1631-1703), koopman te Amsterdam, met zijn gezin, 1671 Rijksmuseum: part 3

The composition presents a family portrait arranged within a classical architectural setting. A man, presumably the patriarch, stands centrally, flanked by his wife and children. He is dressed in formal attire – a dark coat over a white clerical collar – suggesting a position of authority or respectability. His posture is upright, conveying dignity and control.
The woman sits beside him, her gaze directed towards the viewer with an expression that appears both composed and slightly melancholic. She wears a dark dress with a high neckline, typical of the period’s fashion for married women. The children are positioned around them, creating a sense of familial unity. A young girl stands to the left, holding sheet music and accompanied by a small dog – a detail suggesting domestic comfort and affluence. Another child, a toddler, is held in his mothers lap, dressed in elaborate clothing that underscores their family’s status.
Further to the right, two older children are engaged in musical pursuits. One holds a piece of sheet music, while the other plays a cello – a relatively expensive instrument at the time, signifying cultural refinement and education. The inclusion of music suggests an emphasis on intellectual and artistic development within the family.
The backdrop is deliberately constructed to create depth and atmosphere. A colonnaded portico recedes into shadow, hinting at a larger estate or property beyond what is visible. Dark clouds gather in the sky, creating a dramatic contrast with the brightly lit figures in the foreground. This interplay of light and shadow adds complexity to the scene, potentially alluding to both prosperity and underlying anxieties – perhaps reflecting the uncertainties inherent in mercantile life.
The overall impression conveyed is one of established wealth, piety, and familial stability. The careful arrangement of the subjects, their attire, and the inclusion of symbolic elements like music and a pet dog contribute to a portrait that aims to project an image of respectability and social standing within the context of a burgeoning mercantile society.