Hailing from the northern city of Groningen, Adam Camerarius sought out the instruction of Jacob Adriaensz. Backer in Amsterdam around 1645. He subsequently developed a bolder and more decorative use of colour to accentuate the figure, as seen in this portrait from later in his Amsterdam period. The imaginary costume followed a trend for sitters to be depicted à l’antique, which gave them a timeless air, and also avoided becoming dated due to changes in fashion.