Portrait of Elisabeth Troost (1730-1790) 1767

This is a portrait of Elisabeth Troost, made in 1767 by Jacobus Buys. During this time, the Dutch Republic was experiencing a period of economic and cultural flourishing, and portraiture served as a means for the affluent to display their status. Buys captures Elisabeth, a woman of obvious wealth, adorned in the finery of her time. Yet, it's important to consider the gaze of the sitter. She doesn’t quite meet our eyes, her expression suggesting a certain guardedness or perhaps even melancholy. What does it mean for a woman to be seen, but not necessarily to be known? The lace, the gloves, the elaborate hat – these are all signifiers of class, but they also act as a kind of armor. Ultimately, the portrait becomes a poignant reflection on the complexities of identity, representation, and the unspoken narratives that lie beneath the surface of appearances.