Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Albert Cornelis in 1525.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Northern Renaissance.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Man?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Man are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Albert Cornelis , 1525

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Albert Cornelis. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1525, *Portrait of a Man* is an oil painting by the Flemish artist Albert Cornelis. The work depicts a solitary figure set against an entirely black background, allowing the sitter’s face and a vivid red sleeve to dominate the composition. It is part of the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is presented in a sober pose, wearing a dark beret and a black collar, with his hands resting on a bright red, softly folded sleeve. The stark contrast between the dark attire and the striking red element draws attention to the sitter’s presence, suggesting a focus on individual character rather than narrative context.

Technique & Style

Cornelis employs a chiaroscuro approach typical of the Northern Renaissance, using deep shadows to model the face and clothing while allowing light to illuminate the central features. The precise rendering of textures, especially the plush appearance of the red sleeve, reflects the detailed realism for which early 16th‑century Flemish painters are known.

History & Provenance

Albert Cornelis, primarily recognized for his religious commissions such as altarpieces and depictions of the Virgin Mary, left a relatively small surviving oeuvre. *Portrait of a Man* is one of the few works securely attributed to him and has been in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp’s holdings since its acquisition in the 20th century.

Context

The painting exemplifies the Northern Renaissance’s interest in individual portraiture, moving away from purely devotional subjects. Its use of a dark, featureless background aligns with contemporary trends that emphasized the sitter’s psychological presence through controlled lighting and color contrast.