Like his forefathers, Jan van der Pluym, here aged 69, was a prosperous slater and plumber in Leiden. Upon his death, he left behind 15 residential houses and to each of his four children 16,000 guilders. These portraits are the smallest Rembrandt ever painted. In contrast to his more formal commissions from strangers, the execution of these family likenesses is very free and sketchy. The artist may have made them as a personal favour.