Frans Hals: Portrait of a Man Holding a Watch; Frans Hals; 1643; Oil on canvas; For a long time the identity of this bearded man was unknown. Recent scholarship reveals that it is very likely a portrait of Mathijs Jansz Boeckels; a Dutch watchmaker from Haarlem. Indeed this explains the gold timepiece at lower right; though small and off-center; the object gleams with importance. Boeckels came from a long line of prominent Mennonite watchmakers. His clothing is appropriately dark and simple; reflecting Mennonite restraint; moreover he lacks the showy white cuffs typically worn by the Dutch well-to-do. According to the inscription above the right shoulder; Boeckels was 57 when Hals painted his portrait.; Overall: 32 1/2 x 26 1/4 in. (82.6 x 66.7 cm)