Portrait of Constantijn Huygens c. 1628 - 1629

Jan Lievens painted this portrait of Constantijn Huygens in the Dutch Republic, sometime in the mid-17th century. Huygens, a poet and composer, also served as secretary to two Princes of Orange. He was at the center of political power. In this painting, the dark clothing and somber background speak to the conventions of portraiture for the Dutch elite. But what does it mean to be ‘elite’ in the Netherlands at this time? How does it compare to other European courts? Unlike many aristocratic portraits, Huygens is not wearing overtly expensive clothing, and his expression is thoughtful, rather than haughty. The sober coloring would have appealed to the Calvinist sensibilities of the Dutch Republic, where displays of wealth were frowned upon. To understand this painting better, it would be interesting to compare it with portraits from other European countries, and also research more about the institutions with which Huygens was connected.