Portrait of Caspar van Kinschot, Poet 1700 - 1732

Arnoud van Halen painted this intimate portrait of the poet Caspar van Kinschot using oil on copper, then set it within a gilded frame. The choice of copper as a support is critical here. Its smooth, non-porous surface allowed van Halen to achieve a remarkable level of detail, emulating the fine lines and delicate washes of watercolor. Notice the almost photographic realism of Kinschot’s face and hair, a testament to the artist’s skill with his chosen medium. The vividness and clarity of oil paint on metal, like the sharp definition of the lace collar, are remarkable. This reflects a wider trend in the 17th and 18th centuries, when miniaturists increasingly turned to metal supports for their ability to capture minute details with incredible precision. The gilt frame is not simply a decorative addition, but an integral part of the work, enhancing the preciousness and value of this small token. It serves to remind us that even seemingly straightforward paintings are deeply embedded in material practices, and in economic considerations.