Portrait of a young Man 1670 - 1680

Nicolaes Maes painted this intimate portrait of a young man during the Dutch Golden Age, a period marked by burgeoning trade and a rising merchant class. The sitter's refined attire, complete with lace collar and gilded waistcoat, speaks to his privileged social standing. Yet, there is an undeniable softness in his gaze that challenges the traditional stoicism often associated with male portraiture of this era. Maes captures a moment of vulnerability, a hint of the transition from boyhood to adulthood. The backdrop is dark and simple, allowing us to focus on the nuances of the young man’s identity. It's as if Maes is asking us to consider the complexities of youth, class, and gender expectations in 17th-century Holland. This painting offers a glimpse into a world where status was paramount, but individual expression still managed to peek through.