Portrait of Elisabeth van Oosten (1660-1714), as a Child 1663

This is a painting of Elisabeth van Oosten as a child, made by Willem Jansz. Ploy, sometime around the mid-17th century. The artist worked with oil paints on canvas, the dominant material for European painting at the time. The painting’s smooth surface results from a careful layering of thin glazes, reflecting the artist’s skilled application. But the material itself is not the whole story. Think of the labor involved in the making of this artwork. From the cultivation of flax for the canvas, to the grinding of mineral pigments for the paints, each step involved extensive work. The girl’s dress is described in exquisite detail: lace trim, fine pleats. This attention to detail reflects the family's wealth. The labor is not only within the painting itself, but also in the skilled techniques of the painter. Ploy engages with traditions of fine art and portraiture, and imbues the artwork with social significance. The painting speaks volumes about the complex interplay between labor, skill, and social status in 17th-century society.