Henrica van Eck (1670-1756) has been depicted three-quarter length and standing beside a fountain with a lake in the distance. Her expensive silk dress is indicative of her wealth and she is enveloped in a flowing wrap that is held in a place by a large jeweled brooch clasp. The ensemble includes lace on her cuffs and across her neckline that has been painstakingly detailed and is utterly beautiful. Henrica was born in Zaltbommel and died in Arnhem on 14th September 1756.The modelling and handling of the arms and hands is exemplary and the treatment of the drapery and the artist’s mastery of colour explains his appeal to individuals who sought to increase their ‘brand’ through images. This large portrait has been signed GA F (Gerrit Alberts Fecit or “painted”) bottom left and was painted in 1686, along with a pendant portrait of her husband, Matthew Lambertus van Eck (1664-1708), to commemorate their marriage. Matthew’s portrait depicts him dressed in a red robe with lace cuff...