This oil painting expresses the relationship between lawyer and client. The inherent symbolism suggests that it is the lawyer who defends his client against impending misfortune, the sword of Damocles. The smiling client is handing over an indeterminate amount of money for the services of his lawyer. The lawyer does not smile; possibly because his experience and professionalism has impressed upon him the fact that the law is no laughing matter.

The principal is lawyer Mr. Marc van den Boomen. The client in this painting is represented by Mr van den Boomen Senior. The painting hangs in the study of the principal in a monumental and historic building in the city of Roermond, in the Netherlands.

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