What is a tattoo doing on that 17th-century wrist?

Sometimes it can take a long time before a special detail in a work of art is noticed. This recently happened with a painting that has been in the possession of the Amsterdam Museum since the 19th century. During a thorough inspection of a portrait of the High Commissioners of Wallonia from 1674 (attributed to Wallerant Vaillant), the restorer discovered a drawing on the inside of the wrist of one of the subjects. And not just any drawing: it turns out to be the earliest known depiction of a tattoo in Western European painting.

The monumental painting depicts four commissioners in the foreground. They supervised the management of the city's ports, quays, and cranes. From the 17th century onwards, the college played a crucial role in Amsterdam's logistics, trade, and infrastructure. One of the four gentlemen shows the inside of his wrist; as his sleeve creeps up, a very special element becomes visible: a tattoo, in the center of the composition. Who was this, at first glance, distinguished man? And why does he show his tattoo so explicitly, at a time when body decoration was ‘not done’?

Together with master tattoo artist Henk Schiffmacher, who has extensive knowledge of the history of tattoos, the Amsterdam Museum set out to investigate. The man with the 17th-century tattoo turns out to be Wessel Smits, a wealthy merchant. The image on his wrist resembles a flower or a compass rose, but is most likely something else. In the year he was born, which must have been 1618 or 1619, a comet was prominently visible in the sky. And that is probably what is depicted on his wrist: an eight-pointed star with a tail.

At that time, “tail stars” were still considered ominous omens, but Smits seems to have been proud of being born under a special star. Perhaps he saw the comet on his wrist as a talisman. In any case, he valued his tattoo so much that he wanted to have his portrait painted with it. Where Smits had his tattoo done—it wasn't done in Amsterdam at the time—is unknown. The Amsterdam Museum is continuing its research and appeals to anyone who knows more about this to share their information.

The painting De Oppercommissarissen der Walen (The High Commissioners of the Walloons) will be on display in a small exhibition at Huis Willet-Holthuysen until March 1, 2026. Several objects from Henk Schiffmacher's collection will also be on display. Visitors who would like to have Schiffmacher tattoo the historic comet star on their wrist free of charge can leave a registration form with their motivation in the exhibition hall. A jury will select five lucky winners, who will receive the tattoo during a special evening event. Only visitors to the exhibition are eligible for the tattoo; motivations submitted through other channels will not be considered.

Huis Willet-Holthuysen, Herengracht 605, Amsterdam, open Mon-Sun 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.