The attribution is based on comparison with the portraits of Salomon Dierckens (1708-1770) and his wife Anna Elisabeth Merens (1725-1776) in the collection of the Rijksdienst Beeldende Kunst (see Rijksdienst Beeldende Kunst, Catalogue Old Master Paintings, 1992, p. 78, nos. 334 and 335, with ill.).

The sitter has been hitherto identified as Prince William V of Orange, which is obviously incorrect. He is possibly from the Dutch colony Surinam, as it is known that students were welcomed in the Netherlands in the 18th century

In the original gilt composite frame

See illustration