Portrait of Thomas Bulwer 1654

Gerard van Soest’s 1654 oil painting, “Portrait of Thomas Bulwer”, depicts the subject in a seated position, casually holding a rolled-up document in his left hand. Bulwer is dressed in a dark robe, his long, curly hair flowing down his shoulders. The artist's use of light and shadow gives the painting a sense of depth, and the details of Bulwer’s clothing and the scroll he holds suggest he is a man of learning and wealth. This portrait exemplifies the 17th century Dutch Golden Age style of portraiture. The Art Institute of Chicago currently houses this notable artwork.