Jacob de Vos Sr (1735-1833), Amsterdam Art Collector 1811

Wybrand Hendriks painted this portrait of Amsterdam art collector Jacob de Vos Senior on canvas at an unknown date. The oil paint has been carefully applied in thin layers, to build up a realistic likeness and capture the textures of his clothing and surroundings, such as the book, glasses, and paper. In this era, the ability to mix colors and blend them seamlessly was a craft in itself, a kind of technological expertise. The artist’s skill is undeniable, yet the making of the work is not solely the artist's achievement, but also one that is made possible by the labor of those who made the canvas and ground pigments for the paint. Paintings like this one were luxury goods, reflecting not only the wealth of the sitter, but also the complex networks of trade and labor that made its production possible. By understanding these processes, we can appreciate the painting's deeper social significance, challenging the idea of fine art as separate from craft.