In a world far too full of frivolity, noise and people making unnecessary gestures, Barend Graat (1628–1709) offers this little arrangement. It’s a man in black, seated with all the visible delight of someone preparing to audit a village. There is no dramatic flourish, no satin explosion, no imported parrot or mythological excuse for expensive legs. Just black clothing, a sober hat, a white collar and a face which suggests that merriment has been considered and found wanting. This is just as I would want it to be.
The sitter, who is unknown, may be dressed against frivolity, but the portrait itself is full of social performance. He is not simply wearing black, he is wearing seriousness. In an age when everyone else might be tempted towards velvet, feathers and decorative nonsense, here is a man who has chosen dignity, shadow and the mild suspicion that someone nearby is enjoying themselves too much. I like it and I would put this sort of thing on my wall. Well, I wouldn’t, my friend Liam would as otherwise it’d fall off if I did it.