Artwork

Portrait of Jan Both

Portrait of Jan Both, by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, oil, 1643
Portrait of Jan Both, by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, oil, 1643

Portrait of Jan Both is an oil painting by Cornelius van Poelenburgh. It dates from 1643 and is held in the collection of the Fitzwilliam Museum.

About this work

The artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and dimension to the painting.

This portrait depicts a man with dark, curly hair and a mustache, wearing a black coat with a white collar. His right hand is raised, with his index finger extended. The background of the painting is dark, which helps to highlight the subject's features.

The man's attire and hairstyle suggest that the portrait was created in the 17th century. The artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that emphasizes contrasts between light and dark, adds depth and dimension to the painting.

The Fitzwilliam Museum is home to many significant works of art, including this portrait.

Overview

Portrait of Jan Both is a 1643 painting on copper by Cornelius van Poelenburgh, a Dutch artist known for his Italianate landscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts Jan Both, a fellow artist, with dark curly hair and a mustache, wearing 17th-century attire. His right hand is raised with his index finger extended, suggesting a gesture of significance or emphasis.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of chiaroscuro creates depth by contrasting light and dark areas, highlighting the subject's features against a dark background.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Fitzwilliam Museum's collection, which houses many significant works of art.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Cornelius van Poelenburgh

Artist

Cornelius van Poelenburgh

Cornelis van Poelenburgh or Cornelis van Poelenburch (1594 – 12 August 1667), was a Dutch landscape painter and draughtsman.

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