Portraits Around the World

Portraits were often painted to celebrate such significant events in a person’s life as marriage. The intimate grouping of this Flemish pair, as well as the ivy in the background—a traditional symbol of love and fidelity—clearly identify this as a portrait of husband and wife. The young woman holds her gloves rather than wearing them, a gesture that often symbolized openness and sincerity.

In seventeenth-century Holland and Flanders, individuals placed much importance on the possession and display of material goods, and enjoyed seeing them depicted in painting. In this picture, husband and wife are dressed in their best attire. Both wear exquisite lace; her costume also includes a prominent starched ruff, elegant pearl earrings, an expensive satin skirt, and pattered stomacher. This image clearly announces the sitters’ wealth and elevated social status.

How do the different poses of the figures reflect traditional roles of husband and wife?

What elements of this portrait would you guess might be typical of portraits of this time? Within this format, what can you tell about the individual personalities of the sitters?

What might the husband and wife be thinking about each other?