Portrait Medallion of Catherine Hooft, Artus Quellinus (I), 1660
Catharina Hooft came from a wealthy Amsterdam patrician family. This medallion depicts her in profile, just like her husband Cornelis de Graeff. After his death in 1664, she became the head of the family. She knew many important and powerful people, including Grand Pensionary Johan de Witt. Here she displays her wealth, notably the hair ornament – one of her most precious possessions.