Jacob de Graeff (1642-90). In the Uniform of an Officer
1670 - 1681
Jacob de Graeff, a member of one of Amsterdam's most powerful patrician families, is shown here looking incredibly dapper in his officer's uniform, resting a gloved hand on his hat and cane. But the real star of the show is that enormous periwig—a massive status symbol in the 17th century that cost a fortune and required serious maintenance. Painted in the dramatic Baroque style, the dark background forces your eyes straight to his confident gaze and that cascading mountain of hair, proving that in the Dutch Golden Age, hair volume was a serious flex of wealth and power.
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