Artwork

Portrait of a Notary

Portrait of a Notary, by Ary de Vois, oil, 1650
Portrait of a Notary, by Ary de Vois, oil, 1650

Portrait of a Notary is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ary de Vois. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of a Notary is an oil painting created by Ary de Vois around 1650. It is part of the State Hermitage Museum's collection.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a man, likely a notary, dressed in a dark coat with a white collar, holding writing instruments. His serious expression and the objects around him, including a quill pen and paper, suggest a professional or occupational context.

Technique & Style

The use of chiaroscuro, a technique that employs strong contrasts between light and dark, gives the subject's face and hands a three-dimensional appearance. The dark background and the bright red spheres on the table create a visually striking contrast, drawing attention to specific elements of the composition.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ary de Vois

Artist

Ary de Vois

Ary de Vois (1630–1680) was an artist, born in Utrecht.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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