Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Arnold Boonen in 1720.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Rococo painting.

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

Arnold Boonen , 1720

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Arnold Boonen. It dates from 1720 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Arnold Boonen’s oil painting, executed in 1720, presents a solitary male sitter rendered with careful attention to texture and attire. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it is displayed among other Dutch portraiture of the early eighteenth century.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is a middle‑aged gentleman with silver‑gray curls and a modest beard, dressed in a white shirt beneath a dark coat trimmed with lace at the cuffs. His hands are calmly folded, suggesting composure and status, while the muted backdrop focuses the viewer’s attention on his visage.

Technique & Style

Boonen employs a gentle chiaroscuro, allowing light to caress the sitter’s cheekbones and create a subtle shadow beneath the chin, which imparts a three‑dimensional quality to the face. The soft illumination contrasts with the deep, almost black background and the rich red drapery of the chair, enhancing the overall sense of depth.

History & Provenance

Since its creation in the early eighteenth century, the portrait has remained within Dutch collections, ultimately entering the Rijksmuseum’s holdings. The museum’s records trace its acquisition to the early twentieth century, where it has been conserved as an example of Boonen’s mature portraiture.