Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Unknown in 1647.

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 1647 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created around 1647, this monochrome portrait depicts a gentleman dressed in period attire.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1647, this monochrome portrait depicts a gentleman dressed in period attire. The figure is presented against a muted, dark backdrop that isolates his visage, emphasizing the subtle expression and the texture of his clothing. The work is part of the collection of the Museum of Ethnography, where it is displayed as an example of mid‑17th‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter appears as a well‑to‑do individual, clothed in a deep‑hued velvet coat trimmed with lace at the collar and cuffs. His curly hair frames a face marked by a faint smile, suggesting a composed confidence. The relaxed placement of his hand near the chest may allude to personal virtue or a modest claim to status, common themes in portraiture of the era.

Technique & Style

Executed in black and white, the image relies on strong contrasts between illuminated areas and deep shadows, a hallmark of chiaroscuro that adds dimensionality to the figure. The smooth rendering of the velvet and the delicate lace detail demonstrate a careful handling of texture, while the plain background serves to focus attention on the sitter’s features and attire.

History & Provenance

Attributed to the artist identified as 38117_person, the painting has been part of the Museum of Ethnography’s holdings for an unspecified period. Its dating to the mid‑1640s places it within a time of flourishing portrait commissions in Europe, though the work’s exact origin and previous ownership remain undocumented in the available records.