Portrait of Lucas de Clercq
Frans Hals
c. 1635
Lucas de Clercq and Feyntje van Steenkiste were Mennonites, a movement within Protestantism known for its sober character. This explains why they had their likenesses painted in such a plain manner. De Clercq’s pose, however, is anything but modest. With his arm akimbo, he exudes self-assurance. This quality is further emphasized by his right arm, which is not in a sling, but stylishly swathed in costly fabric.
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam · Image: Rijksmuseum, Public domain · Text: Rijksmuseum, CC0