The Estate of Huis Zypendaal
Located in Arnhem, Netherlands, Huis Zypendaal is a historic mansion that functions as a house museum. The current structure was built in 1762 and was once the residence of the wealthy Brantsen family. The history of the estate is marked by its ownership by Baron Aarnoud van Heemstra, a Dutch politician and the grandfather of Audrey Hepburn. During the German occupation of the Netherlands in 1942, the property was confiscated by the Nazis. Today, the ground floor remains open to the public, allowing visitors to experience the interior of this historic residence.
The Collection
The holdings at Huis Zypendaal consist of 105 approved works by 55 different artists. These pieces are primarily portraits that reflect the social history of the Netherlands. The collection includes significant works by several notable painters, such as:
- Gerard ter Borch, including portraits of Johanna Kelffken and Willem Everwijn from 1653.
- Nicolaes Maes, represented by portraits of Johan Carel Smissaert, Constantia Coymans, and Catharina Everwijn.
- Arnold Boonen, who contributed portraits of Petronella Wilhelmina van Hoorn and Lubbert Adolf Torck.
- Theodor van Loonen, whose works include portraits of Elbert van Isendoorn à Blois and Derk van Haersolte.
- Jean Discart, who painted portraits of Adolf Jacob Carel baron van Pallandt and Willem Constantijn baron van Pallandt.
Artistic Presence
The portraits within the house offer a glimpse into the likenesses of individuals from various eras, ranging from the 17th to the early 20th century. These works are distributed throughout the mansion, providing a sense of the private lives once lived within these walls. The presence of artists like Jean Fournier and Bernard Accama alongside the works of Nicolaes de Helt Stockade establishes a specific visual record of the families and figures associated with the region and the estate's history.