Who painted Portrait of a young man?

Portrait of a young man was painted by Antoni Kolberg in 1845.

Where can I see Portrait of a young man?

Portrait of a young man is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Portrait of a young man?

Portrait of a young man is associated with Biedermeier.

Artwork

Portrait of a young man

Antoni Kolberg , 1845

Portrait of a young man is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Antoni Kolberg. It dates from 1845 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Antoni Kolberg’s 1845 oil painting, titled Portrait of a Young Man, presents a solitary male sitter against a dark backdrop. The work measures a modest size and is displayed in the National Museum in Warsaw, where it forms part of the museum’s 19th‑century European collection.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a youthful figure dressed in a black coat over a white shirt, his hair dark and gently waved. The simplicity of his attire and the stark background focus attention on his expression, suggesting a study of character rather than a narrative scene.

Technique & Style

Kolberg employs a smooth handling of paint, rendering soft transitions of light across the face and neck. The chiaroscuro effect—strong contrasts between illuminated flesh and the surrounding darkness—creates a subtle glow that emphasizes the sitter’s features while maintaining a restrained, realistic tone.

History & Provenance

Created in 1845, the portrait entered the National Museum’s holdings in Warsaw during the early 20th century, where it has remained on public display. Its acquisition reflects the museum’s commitment to representing Polish portraiture of the mid‑19th century.