Apothecary Abraham Francen was a collector who came to Rembrandt's aid during the darkest days of his bankruptcy proceedings. In this portrait he is surrounded by his treasures, including a painted triptych, a Chinese figurine of Confucius, and a covered ginger jar. The large album on the table would have held prints and drawings, such as the sheet he examines here with rapt attention. The skull may allude to his profession or perhaps function as a traditional vanitas symbol.