Bust of Vincent Coster (1553-1608/10), Fragment c. 1606

This is a terracotta fragment of a bust of Vincent Coster, made by Hendrick de Keyser in the Netherlands around 1610. The clothing gives us a glimpse into the social world of its time. The sober, dark attire reflects the values of the Dutch Reformed Church. The relative simplicity and lack of overt aristocratic display suggest a society where mercantile values were becoming increasingly important. De Keyser was one of the most important sculptors of the Dutch Golden Age. He served as the city architect of Amsterdam, and his commissions reflect the rising wealth and power of the Dutch Republic. Historical research into the archives of the Dutch Reformed Church and the records of the Amsterdam city council could reveal more about the sitter. Only by understanding the social and institutional context can we understand the visual language of this damaged but revealing fragment.