Portrait of Cornelis Bouman
1741
Cornelis Troost captures his fellow artist Cornelis Bouman in a lively 1741 portrait that feels more like a candid snapshot than a stiff formal pose. Dressed in a striking red waistcoat and holding up a small framed picture, Bouman looks like he's just interrupted a study session at his book-covered table. This playful Rococo-style work highlights Troost's talent for theatricality—he was actually a famous stage painter and actor before turning to portraiture. It's a charming glimpse into the 18th-century Dutch art world, where showing off your latest sketch was the ultimate flex.
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