Dutch - Portrait of a Gentleman - Walters 38225

Small portraits of those to whom one was connected by family, friendship, or political allegiance were treasured first as likenesses and second as works of art. Just as today, a "good" photo of someone is one that "looks like" the person. They were often given as gifts. They could be hung in a decorative arrangement or kept in a cabinet and taken out to be contemplated. Other fine miniature portraits at the Walters are 38.210, 38.516 and 38.209.