Who painted Portrait of an old man with fur?

Portrait of an old man with fur was painted by Balthasar Denner in 1717.

Where can I see Portrait of an old man with fur?

Portrait of an old man with fur is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Portrait of an old man with fur?

Portrait of an old man with fur is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Portrait of an old man with fur

Balthasar Denner , 1717

Portrait of an old man with fur is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Balthasar Denner. It dates from 1717 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Created in 1717, this oil portrait presents an elderly gentleman rendered in half‑length.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1717, this oil portrait presents an elderly gentleman rendered in half‑length. He wears a dark hat and a coat edged with fur, set against a muted background that isolates his visage. The composition concentrates on the man's face, emphasizing the texture of his skin and the downward, right‑ward glance of his eyes.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is an aged male figure, his furrowed brow and pronounced wrinkles conveying a solemn, introspective demeanor. The dark attire and fur trim suggest a status of modest wealth or a professional role, while the subdued expression invites contemplation of age and experience.

Technique & Style

Executed with Denner’s characteristic precision, the painting displays an extraordinary finish, especially in the rendering of fine facial hair and skin texture. The artist’s focus on the head and shoulders, leaving the clothing details to assistants, reflects a collaborative workshop practice common among German portraitists of the early eighteenth century.

History & Provenance

The work originates from the Rococo era in Germany, a period when detailed portraiture was prized among the bourgeoisie and aristocracy. Though specific ownership records are scarce, the painting has been attributed to Balthasar Denner, whose oeuvre includes numerous similarly meticulous depictions of elderly subjects.

Context

Denner operated within a tradition of German portraiture that valued exact likeness over decorative excess. His contemporaries often employed assistants for secondary elements, allowing him to devote his skill to the nuanced portrayal of facial features, a practice evident in this piece.