Portrait of Johannes Hudde

1686

Johannes Hudde was burgomaster of Amsterdam, a governor of the VOC and a respected mathematician. He is here shown wearing a japonse rok (Japanese robe) of Chinese silk, embroidered with gold and coloured thread. As the VOC did not import such items of clothing from China, the garment was most likely made in Amsterdam. The comfortable robe was worn at home and here contributes to the portrait’s air of informality.