Portrait of Jeremias de Decker, Poet in Amsterdam 1700 - 1732

This miniature portrait of Jeremias de Decker, a poet from Amsterdam, was painted by Arnoud van Halen between 1700 and 1732. The painting is executed in oil on copper and is quite small, measuring only 11 cm in height and 8.5 cm in width. It captures de Decker in a simple, yet dignified pose, wearing a dark hat and a dark jacket with a white collar. The portrait's intimate scale suggests it was intended for personal use, possibly as a keepsake for a friend or family member. Van Halen's meticulous brushwork creates a realistic likeness of the poet, highlighting his features and emphasizing his prominent mustache. The portrait is a fine example of 18th-century Dutch miniature painting.