In this portrait, dated 1651, a gentleman has been presented wearing black garments with a small square collar with lace edge and two tassels. The jacket contains a row of closely spaced small buttons and is left open to reveal a white chemise. As usual in Dutch dress of this period, the overall impression is one of understated luxury. Coloring is restricted mainly to the pinkish tones of the face, which is enlivened by the sitter''s loose brown curls, a few streaks of shadow, and the coat of arms. The high-quality materials and the colour black were very costly and reserved for the most formal occasions (including having one''s portrait painted). Black dye was expensive and faded quickly. Even Puritans and Calvinists did not wear black every day contrary to popular belief. Black may have been common but it was far from boring and was often intricately detailed and had various sumptuous fabrics often contrasting against each other and with all manner of designs and patterns. ...