Machteld Bas (d 1681). Wife of Abraham de Visscher 1667 - 1672

This is a portrait of Machteld Bas, wife of Abraham de Visscher, painted by Abraham van den Tempel. It’s made with oil on canvas, a familiar combination, but one that speaks volumes about the subject’s status. Consider the sheer labor involved in producing this image. First, grinding and mixing the pigments, often sourced from rare minerals. Then the delicate layering of glazes to achieve the luminous quality of her skin. The way the artist has captured the texture and fall of the expensive fabrics worn by Machteld. And think about the labor represented in the scene. The cloth of Machteld’s dress would have required skilled weavers and tailors. The lace, too, was a specialized handicraft. By recording this wealth, van den Tempel also documents the vast, largely invisible workforce required to produce it. This portrait, therefore, is more than just an image of a woman; it’s a testament to the complex social relations of its time. It shows how much these materials and ways of making, were invested with cultural significance.