Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Unknown in 1750.

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 1750 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Man, attributed to the artist known as 1719_person, dates from around 1750 and is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. The work presents a solitary male sitter rendered in monochrome, set against an unadorned dark backdrop that concentrates attention on the figure’s expression and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter appears as a middle‑aged man with a pale complexion, dark hair, and a modest, high‑collared coat. His hands are positioned close to his chest, suggesting a restrained, perhaps introspective demeanor. The lack of symbolic objects leaves the portrait’s narrative open, focusing instead on the individual’s presence and character.

Technique & Style

Executed in black‑and‑white, the image relies on chiaroscuro, employing gradual tonal shifts to model the face and give it a three‑dimensional quality. Soft shading creates a delicate transition between light and shadow, while the stark background enhances the contrast, emphasizing the sitter’s features without distraction.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1750, the portrait entered the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its attribution to 1719_person remains based on stylistic analysis, and the work has been documented as part of the museum’s collection of 18th‑century portraiture.