He had a craving to surround himself with beautiful works of art and beautiful objects of all kinds that should take him away from the dunes and canals into a world of romance within his own house.

He disliked the stiff Dutch clothes and the great starched white ruffs worn by the women of the day.

He had to paint them in his portraits; but when he painted his beautiful wife, Saskia, she is decked in embroideries and soft shimmering stuffs.

Wonderful clasps and brooches fasten her clothes.

Her hair is dressed with gold chains, and great strings of pearls hang from her neck and arms.