Portrait Bust of David van Mollem

One of best known industrial establishments in 18th century Utrecht was silk mill Zijdebalen (Silk Bales) on the river Vecht. It was founded by Amsterdam silk manufacturer Jacob van Mollem. Besides the mill, Van Mollem also built the Zijdebalen estate. After his death, his son David continued to run the mill and turned it into a flourishing business. He spent a large part of the profits on elaborating and decorating the gardens. Famous artists were called in to make the garden sculptures, including Jacob Cressant. The terracotta bust was sculpted by Cressant to mark the 70th birthday of his patron.