Artwork
Portrait of an Officer
Portrait of an Officer is an ink print by the Baroque artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Portrait of an Officer is an etching created by Dutch artist Ferdinand Bol in 1645. It exemplifies Bol's skill in capturing individual character through detailed renderings.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a single male figure, likely an officer, dressed in formal attire including a feathered hat and white collar. His facial expression and gaze convey a sense of personality.
Technique & Style
Bol's use of etching allows for intricate detail and texture, evident in the rendering of the subject's costume and curly hair. The work reflects the influence of Rembrandt, Bol's teacher, in its expressive use of light.
Context
As a product of the Baroque movement, Portrait of an Officer is characterized by dramatic attention to detail and formal composition, typical of 17th-century Dutch art.
Artist & collection
Artist
Ferdinand Bol (24 June 1616 - 24 August 1680) was a Dutch painter, etcher and draftsman.
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Man with a Long Beard and Headdress, Facing Right
Self-Portrait (?) with Plumed Cap and Lowered Sabre
Man at a Desk Wearing a Cross and Chain
Bearded Man in a Fur Cap, Facing Left
Portrait of an Officer