The artwork, titled “Portrait of Paulus Verschuur,” was created by Frans Hals in the year 1643. It belongs to the Baroque art movement and measures 118.7 x 94 cm. This portrait is currently housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art (Met) in New York City, NY, USA.
In this remarkable portrait, the artist has captured Paulus Verschuur with a striking presence. The subject, depicted from the waist up, is adorned in a dark, formal attire with a rich texture that contrasts beautifully with the white lace collar and cuffs. Verschuur’s pose is slightly turned, with one hand tucked into his black coat while his other hand partially extends forward, suggesting a sense of motion and life. His face, illuminated against a dark background, displays a poised expression, conveying both authority and composure. The use of light and shadow, a hallmark of the Baroque period, enhances the three-dimensionality and realism of the portrait, making it a masterful representation of the era’s artistic prowess.