Portrait of a Seated Man 1657 - 1663

Curator: Gerard ter Borch the Younger painted this oil on canvas portrait of a seated man between 1657 and 1663. The sitter is unknown, though many speculate on his possible identity within Dutch society. Editor: My first thought? "Serious business." The dark palette gives him this intense air of introspection. It feels very… heavy. Curator: Precisely! Think about the pigments ter Borch had access to at this time, the social structure dictating portrait commissions – we're looking at an individual wealthy enough to afford such a work, but also restrained by expectations. Editor: Yes, I am really fascinated by his outfit: a severe black ensemble with that crisp white collar. Makes him look severe but the longish hair softens it. It’s as if he is rebelling in a very quiet way. Curator: Observe, too, the brushstrokes. Note ter Borch’s subtle application of glazes that achieves this incredible effect, in particular the intricate ruffles, as this linen demanded skillful labor both in production and cleaning, reinforcing the sitter's affluent position. The black robe is of costly, finely woven material, a display of sartorial power. Editor: Right! I'm really drawn to how his hat lies so close by, almost out of reach but so precisely painted – what’s he thinking? Perhaps it represents accessibility of power and responsibility? I feel a little nervous for him! Curator: Well, consider the baroque period’s theatricality blending with a sense of realism here. The painting acknowledges both wealth and societal restraint through deliberate material depiction, something ter Borch’s art always investigates so adeptly. Editor: It's interesting to me to think of that careful observation as being part of the “performance,” even in painting. This man, seated formally but giving us a glimpse into his… reluctance? That might be it! Curator: In this painting the tangible materials are made allegorical of the sitter's complex social standing. We have come to the end of this stop. Thank you. Editor: It all really makes you think doesn't it? Thanks for shedding new light on his story.