Who painted Portrait of a young Man?

Portrait of a young Man was painted by Carel de Moor in 1705.

Where can I see Portrait of a young Man?

Portrait of a young Man is held by Ashmolean Museum.

What movement is Portrait of a young Man?

Portrait of a young Man is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Portrait of a young Man

Carel de Moor , 1705

Portrait of a young Man is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Carel de Moor. It dates from 1705 and is held in the collection of the Ashmolean Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created circa 1705 by Dutch painter Carel de Moor, this oil-on-canvas work presents an intimate portrait of a youthful male sitter. The composition is set within an oval frame, and the figure is positioned against a subdued backdrop of dark tones punctuated by faint yellow and gray hues. The painting resides in the Ashmolean Museum’s collection.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter, a young man with tightly curled brown hair, is dressed in a blue shirt beneath a brown jacket, accented by a crisp white collar. He gazes directly at the viewer, his expression calm and introspective, suggesting a moment of private contemplation rather than formal display. The portrait emphasizes individuality through the detailed rendering of facial features and attire.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, de Moor employs a refined handling of light and shadow that subtly models the figure’s face and garments. The chiaroscuro effect creates a gentle contrast between the illuminated upper body and the darker background, while fine brushwork captures the texture of fabric and hair. The overall aesthetic reflects the Rococo’s preference for elegance and delicate detail.

History & Provenance

Carel de Moor, a pupil of Gerard Dou, worked during the late Dutch Golden Age and early Rococo period, integrating the meticulous observation of his master with emerging decorative tendencies. After remaining in private hands for several centuries, the portrait entered the Ashmolean Museum, where it is displayed as part of the institution’s holdings of Dutch 17th‑ and 18th‑century art.

Artist & collection

Artist

Carel de Moor

Carel de Moor (25 February 1655 – 16 February 1738) was a Dutch Golden Age etcher and painter. He was a pupil of the Dutch Golden Age painter Gerard Dou.