Portrait of Michiel Comans (1614-1687), calligrapher, etcher, painter and schoolmaster, with his third wife Elisabeth van der Mersche

Michiel van Musscher (1645 - 1705). Michiel Comans and his third wife Elisabeth van der Mersche, 1669. The identity of the sitters can be read in the glass of the window. The artist has paused for a moment to point out to the audience his motto: 'Know Thyself and beware of Miserliness.' His wife looks on. The studio is rendered in considerable detail: on the easel we see a Holy Family and on a nearby table the artist's painting equipment; there are books and prints lying on the floor. Comans was not only a painter, but also a calligrapher, etcher and schoolmaster. Purchased in 1967, thanks to a gift from G. Henle (Duisburg).