Gellius de Bouma

Cornelis Visscher

National Gallery of Art

The image shows a portrait of an elderly man from the waist up, seated in a chair. He is positioned facing the viewer with his right arm resting on the armrest of his chair and his left hand holding a piece of fabric in his lap. The man has a white beard and mustache, deep-set eyes, and a high forehead. His hair is short and covered by a cap. He is wearing a dark, full-sleeved garment with buttons down the front, and a large ruffed collar. A bracelet is visible on his left wrist. On a table around him, several books, writing implements, including a quill, are laid out. The background is a textured, dark surface that contrasts with his clothing and skin, drawing attention to his presence.