Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man is an unspecified painting by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1650, this oil portrait is attributed to the artist known as 1497_person and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work presents a solitary male figure dressed in elaborate attire, positioned before a table with a purple cloth and a hat, offering a glimpse into the fashion and domestic setting of its era.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is depicted with long dark hair, a brown coat embellished with black motifs, a white shirt with lace cuffs, and a prominent white collar. He rests his right hand on his hip while holding a cane in his left, a pose that conveys confidence and status, suggesting the individual’s social standing or professional role within a formal context.

Technique & Style

The painting employs a careful rendering of textures, from the sheen of the coat’s fabric to the delicate lace of the cuffs, achieved through fine brushwork and subtle contrasts of light and shadow. The chiaroscuro effect, characteristic of the artist’s broader oeuvre, models the figure’s form against a muted background, emphasizing depth and three‑dimensionality.

History & Provenance

Attributed to 1497_person, the portrait has been in the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings since its acquisition, though the precise path of ownership before entering the museum is not documented in the available records. Its dating to the mid‑17th century aligns with the artist’s known period of activity, situating the work within that historical timeframe.