Portrait of a Man from the City of Emden c. 1675 - 1680

Ludolf Backhuysen painted this portrait of an unknown man from Emden in the Dutch Republic, sometime in the late 17th or early 18th century. The sitter's clothing and the detailed view of Emden in the background point to a story of civic pride. Backhuysen was known for his marine paintings, and this portrait cleverly incorporates his specialty. Emden was a significant port city, and the maritime details subtly highlight the sitter’s connection to its economic vitality. The man's dark hat and cloak, along with the detailed rendering of the harbor, suggest a wealthy merchant or ship owner, a member of the city’s elite. Art historians use various records to piece together the social context of paintings like this. Guild records, shipping manifests, and genealogical research can help reveal the identity of the sitter. The meaning of art is contingent on these details.