Portret van Karel van Mander

The subject is shown from the chest up, sporting a beard and a large, pleated ruff collar typical of the early 17th century. He wears a heavy cloak draped over his left shoulder and looks directly at the viewer with a steady gaze. The oval border and lower tablet contain Dutch and Latin text identifying the sitter and his life's motto.

Karel van Mander was a central figure in the Haarlem Mannerist circle and author of the 'Schilder-boeck', which served as the Northern equivalent to Vasari's Lives. His circle, including Goltzius, was deeply influenced by the Neoplatonic and ethical-philosophical ideas of Dirck Volckertsz Coornhert, emphasizing the spiritual moralization of art and mythology.