PAULUS MOREELSE (UTRECHT 1571-UTRECHT 1638)
Portrait of a Young Boy
Signed and dated 1634RCIN 404734
This young sitter appears to have recently made the transition from wrappings of fabric into ankle-length garments, which usually happened before the age of one. The white linen apron and bib have been pressed tightly for storage – the pattern of creases was both decorative and a clear indication of high standards of housekeeping. The boy holds a rock-crystal rattle, secured with a ribbon at his shoulder. Rattles provided amusement and aided the teething process.