Lucas de Clercq 1635

Frans Hals rendered this portrait of Lucas de Clercq in oil on canvas, a material tradition stretching back centuries. The dark expanse of Lucas’s clothing dominates the painting, emphasizing the luxurious sheen and drape of the fabric. Hals uses broad, confident brushstrokes to capture the texture of the cloth. The portrait is a record of the material wealth of the sitter as well as the skill and artistic labor of Hals. Lucas’s elaborate ruff collar exemplifies the skill of lacemakers. It’s a product of meticulous handwork, and represents the labor of skilled artisans. Hals’s painting reflects the complex economic landscape of the Dutch Golden Age. It compels us to consider the value of labor, the price of luxury, and the ways in which materials and making are embedded in broader systems of class and consumption.