Portrait of Lucas de Clercq, Frans Hals, c. 1635
oil on canvas, h 121.6cm × w 91.5cm Catalogue entry
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.
