Portraits from the Dutch Golden Age always impress today with their powerful, seemingly simple structure. At that time, simplicity and modesty were socially required. But people still wanted to display their high social position or success (a human trait to this day). So if you had a portrait painted of yourself, (that alone being a sign of great wealth) it absolutely had to be in black clothing. Black fabrics were incredibly expensive at this time. They shimmered discreetly but for all to see, proving their preciousness. The fine white collars were a sign of belonging to an elite; the bigger and fluffier the better. I ironize this collar, duplicate it, and our sitter's individuality disappears behind the status symbol. The special feature of this portrait is his hand on the heart - a fond gesture to us. I wanted to preserve it, even emphasize it. That is why an eye is visible - an indication that the sitter turns very directly to us.