Portret van Gabriël Metsu Possibly 1751

Editor: So here we have Julius Quinkhard’s portrait of Gabriël Metsu, potentially from 1751. It's a drawing, quite baroque in its feel. The sitter appears rather self-satisfied; there's something slightly smug in the eyes. What catches your eye about this piece? Curator: Ah, yes, Metsu. The sitter himself was an artist of note. There's a quiet confidence about him, don’t you think? He seems very much in control, but the angle and that little smirk gives a cheeky almost theatrical feel. The soft, almost blurred effect is a wonderful trick when using dry media. Do you get a sense of a particular era looking at this, Editor? Editor: Definitely a sense of powdered wigs and whatnot. Very Dutch Golden Age, almost on its way out. Is it just me, or does the face seem…exaggerated, somehow? Almost a caricature? Curator: Well, ponder for a moment what that signifies. Could it be a touch of playful teasing, a wink and a nod to their shared artistic world? And who better to get gently roasted than another painter, hmm? Editor: I never thought of it that way! So, the artist, Quinkhard, is having a bit of fun with Metsu’s image? I see it. Curator: Perhaps, yes! Or, who is to say if Metsu authorised the commission to perpetuate his importance for future art aficionados! Either way it humanises both artists for us today. We get to share a giggle across centuries, now doesn’t that put a smile on your face! Editor: It absolutely does. This has really given me a new perspective on historical portraiture. Thanks for that.