Portrait of Carel Quina (1622-89), Knight of the Holy Sepulchre and Amsterdam-born explorer of Asia 1669

Jacob Toorenvliet’s 1669 oil painting, “Portrait of Carel Quina,” depicts the Amsterdam-born explorer of Asia seated at a table in front of a large open book. The scene is further enriched by a red curtain and a glimpse of an outdoor scene through a window. Quina is clad in a richly textured suit, complete with lace trimming and a powdered wig. He is holding a compass, a symbol of his explorations. The composition is typical of Dutch portraiture of the period, showcasing a skilled artist's attention to detail and the sitter's status. The use of light and shadow gives the painting a sense of depth and realism.