Willem Backer 1682

Nicolaes Maes painted this portrait of Willem Backer in oil paint, a traditional medium for capturing the likeness of the wealthy. Consider the textures Maes has rendered: the soft fur, the crisp lace, and the sheen of Backer’s silk garments. These were all achieved through the skilled application of paint, layer upon layer, a labor-intensive process. The materials themselves – the pigments, the linen canvas, even the brushes – would have been costly. The ability to commission such a portrait spoke volumes about Backer’s status. It wasn't just about appearances; it was about demonstrating economic power. And don’t forget the labor involved in producing the fabrics Backer wears. These clothes, and the painting itself, are testaments to a complex web of making, trade, and consumption. By attending to these material details, we understand that this image is more than just a picture, it's a record of social relations.