Through our Portrait Studio, this special posthumous portrait was commissioned in honour of Mrs Jannie Verbaan, co-founder of Phoenix Opleidingen in Utrecht. The painting, created by Suzan Schuttelaar, is a personal and dignified tribute to her life and the impact she had on so many. The work captures not only her likeness, but also her warmth and vibrant character.
Particularly noteworthy is the skill with which the artist approached this commission. Working from a limited selection of reference photographs taken across different periods, she succeeded in creating a remarkably cohesive and lifelike portrait. Posthumous portraits often present a unique challenge, as the subject is no longer present and the available visual material may vary in quality and character. In this case, the artist’s sensitivity, experience and craftsmanship have brought these fragments together into a harmonious and deeply personal whole.
It is in moments like these that a painted portrait reveals its true power, preserving memories in a deeply meaningful and lasting way. For relatives and clients alike, a commissioned portrait offers the opportunity to honour a loved one in a unique and enduring manner, with care, respect and craftsmanship at its heart.
Our Portrait Studio guides each client through the entire process, from the selection of reference images to the final painting, ensuring that every portrait truly does justice to the individual it commemorates.
