Portrait of a Man, Dirck Santvoort

Exhibition Label: "Corpus," Apr-2012, Chassica Kirchhoff In the 17th century, middle-class merchants in Amsterdam often commissioned portraits of themselves in their finest garb. Representations of sitters such as this unknown man sought to convey not only the subject’s material prosperity, but also the strength of character that justified the elite status of individuals who had no aristocratic blood. The thoughtful gaze of this man and his sumptuous yet somber attire allude to his interior virtues. The action of his hands may indicate his engagement with the viewer as he pulls on his gloves after extending a hand in greeting. The Dutch middle class favored painters who were skilled at depicting various textures and delicate details. Santvoort convincingly rendered lace, satin, and leather to give the viewer a sense of the luxury goods available to Dutch consumers. This man’s black satin attire would have been appropriate for a formal occasion, during which citizens of the Protestant republic were expected to appear both modest and fashionable. His subtle gesture draws attention to his finely trimmed gloves and shimmering white cuffs. Label 2008: In the 17th Century, middle-class merchants in Amsterdam often commissioned portraits of themselves in their finest garb. They favored painters who were skilled at depicting various textures and delicate details. Van Santvoort convincingly renders lace, satin, and leather to give the viewer a sense of the sumptuous materials available to Dutch consumers. In the process of putting on his gloves, this man shows off his fine taste in fashion and advertises his success.