The artwork, titled “Portrait of Jacob Pietersz Olycan,” was created by Frans Hals in the year 1625. This piece, belonging to the Baroque art movement, measures 124.8 by 97.5 cm. It is an example of portraiture and is currently housed in the Mauritshuis, located in The Hague, Netherlands.
The artwork exhibits a distinguished man, presumably Jacob Pietersz Olycan, attired in richly adorned, dark clothing characteristic of the period, with intricate lace detailing on the cuffs and collar. His confident posture, placing one hand on his hip and the other holding a hat, along with his expressive, mustachioed face, suggests a man of status and sophistication. The background is kept simple, allowing the subject to stand out prominently. The coat of arms depicted to the left of the figure hints at his social standing and family heritage. The realistic rendering and the finely detailed textures exemplify Frans Hals’s mastery in capturing the essence and demeanor of his subjects.
