Willem Backer 1682

Nicolaes Maes' 1682 oil painting, "Willem Backer", is a classic example of Dutch Golden Age portraiture. The sitter is depicted in a three-quarter length pose, wearing fine clothing and jewelry, indicative of his wealth and status. Maes was known for his realistic portrayal of his subjects, creating a sense of depth and intimacy in his work. His subtle use of light and shadow adds a dimension of realism to the painting and highlights the sitter's features. The muted color palette, common to Dutch portraits of the era, reinforces the portrait's focus on the sitter's presence.