Portret van de schilder Carel Borchaert Voet c. 1720

Nicolaas Verkolje painted this portrait of Carel Borchaert Voet using oil paint, a traditional medium, allowing for smooth gradations and realistic depiction. The artist has handled oil paint with masterful control, blending tones to create a soft, almost hazy effect. Observe the careful layering, particularly in Voet's wig, achieving volume and texture. Oil paint allows for corrections and adjustments, crucial when capturing a likeness. The oval format and small scale suggest it was a personal keepsake, perhaps commissioned by Voet himself or a close acquaintance. The portrait provides insight into the social status of artists during this period. It speaks to the increasing professionalization of painting, as artists like Voet and Verkolje gained recognition and patronage. This work, in its refined technique and intimate scale, reflects the value placed on individual accomplishment and artistry, marking a shift in the perception of art as both a craft and an intellectual pursuit.