Man in a Gorget and a Cap 1668 - 1720

This portrait, "Man in a Gorget and a Cap," was created by Daniël de Koninck in the late 17th or early 18th century, using oil paint on canvas. Consider how Koninck layered the paint to create the different textures. Observe the smooth, almost porcelain-like quality of the face, contrasting with the rougher handling of the sitter’s cap and military gorget. Oil paint allowed artists a slow, deliberate process, building up layers of glazes to achieve luminosity and depth. The rich, dark tones speak to the fashions and social norms of the time, as well as the sitter's status. The gorget, a piece of armor protecting the throat, signifies military status, while the dark cap and clothing denote wealth and position in society. The work involved in this portrait is not only in the technical skill of painting, but also in the social performance it represents. By focusing on the materials and methods of production, we can appreciate how deeply intertwined art is with the social fabric of its time.