I Spy: Looking Closely at a Petrus Christus Painting

What, do you suppose, is the occupation of the gentleman in red?

Why might the couple be visiting the gentleman?

Look closely at the details in this painting by Petrus Christus from 1449. 

Let's take an even closer look at some detail:

Have you figured out that the gentleman in red is a goldsmith?

And, perhaps, the couple has visited the shop in advance of their upcoming marriage? 

Did you spy the ring on the scale? 

Research suggests the goldsmith is Willem van Vleuten, a Bruges goldsmith who worked for Philip the Good, Duke of Burgundy. The couple may be Mary of Guelders and James II, King of Scots. 

Want to learn more? Visit the work at the Met!