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. Most likely, the merchant in this painting had his portrait made, surrounded by the tools of his trade, because he was proud of his success. What do you suppose he is thinking about? On view in the West Building, Main Floor, Gallery 41. http://www.nga.gov/fcgi-bin/tinfo_f?object=50722