Portrait of Sara Sweerts de Weert, second Wife of Antonius Antonides van der Linden 1636

Hendrik Meerman painted this portrait of Sara Sweerts de Weert in the Dutch Golden Age. Notice how the composition and symbolism reflect the rigid social structures of the 17th century. The black dress, the elaborate but austere ruff, and her composed expression speak to the values of sobriety and piety valued in the Netherlands at the time. The family crest in the upper left corner tells us about her lineage and status, and her wedding ring represents the importance of marriage in maintaining social order. We can only imagine the intricate social and economic considerations that went into matching her with her second husband, Antonius Antonides van der Linden. These individuals were embedded in webs of social obligation and expectation. By using genealogical records, probate inventories, and other archival sources, we can begin to understand the complex interplay of status, gender and social power in this painting. Art is always contingent on its social and institutional context, and is shaped by the historical period in which it was made.