Portrait of a Man, possibly Walterus Fourmenois (1596-1653) 1620

Salomon Mesdach's "Portrait of a Man, possibly Walterus Fourmenois" is a study in the alchemy of oil paint. It's rendered on a wooden panel in tones of deep black and gold, offset by the stark white of the sitter’s lace collar and cuffs. Mesdach clearly wants us to consider the materiality of wealth. Note how the man’s clothing shimmers, and how this effect would have been achieved. The fabric is likely velvet, and the artist has captured its plushness with precise strokes. The lace represents another feat of craftsmanship, requiring countless hours of labor to produce, from spinning the thread to knotting the delicate patterns. Consider the social context. The materials of the man’s garments speak of global trade networks. These are contrasted with the highly localized skills of making, all conspiring to create an aura of prosperity. Seeing the virtuosity of the artist, and appreciating the labor of others, helps us to understand this portrait as more than just a likeness. It's a material record of a specific time and place.