Linkerhand met pinkring 1610 - 1641

This is Anthony van Dyck’s drawing “Left Hand with a Ring on the Little Finger," which is currently held in the Rijksmuseum. Van Dyck was a leading painter of the Flemish Baroque. The drawing captures a left hand, distinguished by a ring on its small finger. The detail suggests wealth and status, hinting at the sitter's identity within the hierarchical society of the 17th century. The symbolism of rings, especially when worn by men, often signified allegiance, marital status, or membership in a particular order or guild. Van Dyck was known for his portraits of the aristocracy, capturing their likeness with a blend of realism and idealization. This sketch gives us a glimpse into the artist's process, revealing his focus on capturing the essence of the individual through careful observation and nuanced rendering. "Left Hand with a Ring on the Little Finger" therefore invites contemplation on the ways in which personal identity intersects with broader social structures.