As a student in Rembrandt’s workshop in the late 1630s, Ferdinand Bol learned the art of modelling form with thin glazes over thick impasto, building up sculptural layers of paint to capture the texture of fabrics and jewels. While this painting might look like a portrait, it depicts a model hired to act the part. Fantastically dressed figures like this one contributed to a vogue for imaginary portraits of historical figures and colourful character types.