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Nicolas Maes, a gifted pupil of Rembrandt, had two distinct phases in his career. Prior to 1660 he was known for intimate genre scenes in the manner of Rembrandt. After that date, he dedicated his considerable talents to painting portraits like this one, which reveal his admiration for Flemish masters like Van Dyck and Jordaens.

So much work came his way that it was deemed a favour if one person was granted the opportunity to sit for his portrait before another, and so it remained for the rest of his life.
-Arnold Houbraken, 1718-21