Artwork

Portrait of a Gentleman

Portrait of a Gentleman, by Carl Gustav Amling, paint, 1690
Portrait of a Gentleman, by Carl Gustav Amling, paint, 1690

Portrait of a Gentleman is a paint drawing by the Baroque artist Carl Gustav Amling. It dates from 1690 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

The artist used gray ink on thin paper, making the lines look soft but clear.

This drawing shows a man with curly hair and a light-colored lace collar. His face is round, and he wears a patterned jacket. The background is plain and dark, framing his face in a circle.

The artist used gray ink on thin paper, making the lines look soft but clear. The writing at the bottom says the name of the artist and the year—1690.

Next, look up the Baroque movement to see how this style fits into it.

Overview

This drawing, created in 1690 by Carl Gustav Amling, is a portrait of a gentleman. Executed in gray ink on vellum, it showcases the artist's skill in capturing the subject's likeness.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a man with curly hair, a round face, and a patterned jacket, set against a dark, plain background that highlights his features. A light-colored lace collar adds a touch of elegance to his attire.

Technique & Style

Amling employed brush and gray ink over graphite to achieve soft yet defined lines, lending a subtle depth to the portrait. The use of vellum as the medium adds to the drawing's delicate appearance.

History & Provenance

The drawing is dated 1690 and bears the artist's name at the bottom, providing clear attribution to Carl Gustav Amling.

Artist & collection

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.