"Portrait of a Merchant," c. 1530, Jan Gossaert

National Gallery of Art, Washington — Thu, 22 Sep 2011 13:12:51 +0000

Series:

Institution:

In this video from Children’s Video Tour, viewers are introduced to Jan Gossaert’s painting “Portrait of a Merchant.” In this detailed scene, a merchant records his business affairs while sitting at a desk with typical 16th-century objects, such as an ink pot, red sealing wax, scissors, coins, and a pair of scales. In the sixteenth century, when this painting was made, merchants bought and sold goods and, like bankers today, they often lent and changed money. This merchant appears busy and prosperous.

ArtBabble: Jan Gossaert

"Portrait of a Merchant," c. 1530, Jan Gossaert