William,1st Baron and Earl of Craven 1645

This portrait of William, 1st Baron and Earl of Craven, was painted by Gerard van Honthorst, using traditional oil paints. The sheen on the armor beautifully demonstrates Honthorst's mastery of the medium, the metal's surface catching light in much the same way as the paint itself. But the armor is more than just a demonstration of skill. It speaks volumes about status, politics and power. Think of the labor involved. First, the mining and smelting of ore; then the work of the armorer, shaping and polishing the metal with hammer and file. Each rivet is carefully placed, each plate fitted to Craven’s body. All this manufacture represents wealth and military might. In rendering these processes, Honthorst has done more than paint a likeness. He has given us a potent symbol of aristocratic authority. It serves as a reminder that fine art and craft are not so different. Both reflect the social conditions that make them possible.