Portret van Hugo van der Helst, staand in zijn bibliotheek 1660 - 1693

This drawing by Dutch artist Jan Verkolje depicts Hugo van der Helst, a prominent portrait painter, standing in his library. Completed sometime between 1660 and 1693, the work captures van der Helst in a contemplative pose, his hand resting on a book while he surveys his collection. The subtle shading and delicate lines of the drawing evoke a sense of quietude and scholarly reflection, characteristic of Verkolje's portraiture style. The numerous books lining the shelves behind van der Helst emphasize his status as a learned individual and underscore the importance of knowledge in 17th-century Dutch society.