Frans Hals and the Patron with Dubious Taste

[smokingboot]

Here's a video from the National Gallery regarding a mysterious portrait of Isaac Massa. Frans Hals did some pleasant portraits of Massa, but this one's a bit peculiar.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VX_Q1aN7HSg&fbclid=IwY2xjawFolkZleHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVF3-NvB9VHqznuBzwdtWuiqeHdnArer-8PSdbnhMPj1KsH1ZUn1WY8BIQ_aem_dHRF4iBssZ4IN7MebtpDUw

With that thar new-fangled technology, a snaky demonic face and a skull can be detected at the sitter's shoulder. The video goes into theories of what it was that Isaac wanted to say. Personally I can think of many dramatic possibilities which I have decided must be true cos they entertain me. One point many might agree on is that his descendants showed taste in getting these faces painted out; after all, if Death and summat 'orrible are not lurking at your side, why encourage them? Poor old Frans! I can just imagine him praying to providence that if any of his works be destroyed by fire in the future, please let it be this one.

One thing the video doesn't go into in detail is is a scroll on the other side of Massa.

Why is this painted over along with the nasties?

Because that's The Invocation.