Artwork

Portrait of a Young Man (V.H. Reinnier)

Portrait of a Young Man (V.H. Reinnier), by Jakob Binck, ink, 1534
Portrait of a Young Man (V.H. Reinnier), by Jakob Binck, ink, 1534

Portrait of a Young Man (V.H. Reinnier) is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Jakob Binck. It dates from 1534 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Portrait of a Young Man (V.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Young Man (V.H. Reinnier) is an engraving on laid paper created by Jakob Binck in 1534, depicting a young man's bust with meticulous attention to detail.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified by the initials V.H. Reinnier, is portrayed with a serious expression and subtle frown, conveying a sense of solemnity. The careful etching of facial lines around the eyes and mouth adds depth to the portrayal.

Technique & Style

The engraving showcases Binck's use of cross-hatching, achieved through tiny parallel lines, to create shading and texture, imparting a three-dimensional quality to the image. The laid paper's visible grid is a characteristic of the printing process of the time.

History & Provenance

Created in 1534, specific details about the work's history and ownership prior to its current location are not provided in the available information.

Context

This piece reflects the Renaissance interest in detailed, realistic portraiture. The use of cross-hatching was a common technique among engravers of the period, used to achieve depth and shading in black-and-white prints.

Legacy

While the broader impact or notable exhibitions of 'Portrait of a Young Man (V.H. Reinnier)' are not specified, it contributes to the understanding of 16th-century engraving techniques and portraiture styles.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jakob Binck

Artist

Jakob Binck

Jakob Binck (1525–1569) was an artist.

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