Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Unknown in 1550.

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 1550 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1550, the Portrait of a Man is attributed to the artist known as 3096_person. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography. It presents a half‑length view of a seated figure, rendered in oil on panel, and measures roughly the size of a typical portrait of its period.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter appears as a middle‑aged man with a dark beard and tightly curled hair, dressed in a plain, dark garment. His expression is solemn, and his hands are positioned with one resting on his chest and the other concealed, suggesting a restrained, perhaps introspective demeanor.

Technique & Style

The painting employs a stark chiaroscuro effect: a deep, nearly black background isolates the figure, while a focused light source illuminates the face and upper torso, creating a three‑dimensional sense of form. The brushwork is smooth in the facial features, contrasting with the broader handling of the clothing.

History & Provenance

Since its creation in the mid‑sixteenth century, the portrait has remained within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography, where it was acquired as part of the institution’s early modern European collection. Documentation traces its provenance directly to the museum’s acquisition records, with no known earlier owners recorded.