Portrait of Sir Pieter Courten (1581-1630) 1630

Salomon Mesdach’s portrait of Sir Pieter Courten is made with oil on wood, a material that lends itself to fine detail, and a glossy surface finish. The painting’s meticulous realism, particularly evident in Courten’s elaborate ruff and beard, speaks to the traditional skills of the artist. The folds of fabric are carefully rendered through subtle gradations of light and shadow, built up through thin layers of paint, or glaze. Yet these same qualities reflect Courten’s status in a rapidly expanding economy. The lace that forms his ruff, and the fine embroidery on his robe, signal the global supply chains that enriched merchants like Courten. These details were costly in terms of labor, and are therefore indicators of wealth and position. Mesdach, in turn, was employed as a skilled worker, producing a commodity for a consumer. Appreciating this history of materials, making, and context deepens our understanding, breaking down traditional distinctions between art and craft.