Who painted Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639)?

Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639) was painted by David Bailly in 1636.

Where can I see Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639)?

Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639) is held by Rijksmuseum.

What movement is Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639)?

Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639) is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639)

David Bailly , 1636

Portrait of Anthony de Wale (1573-1639) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist David Bailly. It dates from 1636 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

David Bailly’s 1636 oil painting presents Anthony de Wale, a man in his sixties, seated against a dark backdrop. The portrait captures de Wale’s dignified bearing, highlighted by a stark contrast between the illuminated white beard and the somber tones of his attire.

Subject & Meaning

De Wale is depicted wearing a black robe trimmed with a prominent white collar, suggesting a position of respect or clerical affiliation. His calm, contemplative expression, combined with the modest pose, conveys a sense of personal gravitas and introspection.

Technique & Style

Bailly employs chiaroscuro, allowing light to define the texture of the beard, the folds of the robe, and the small wooden box held in the sitter’s right hand. The subtle modeling of forms and the restrained palette reflect the Dutch Golden Age’s emphasis on realism and controlled composition.

History & Provenance

The portrait remains in the Rijksmuseum’s collection, where it is displayed as part of the museum’s representation of 17th‑century Dutch portraiture. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s workshop, where it was likely commissioned shortly after de Wale’s retirement.

Context

Created during a period when Dutch portraiture often highlighted individual status through attire and objects, the inclusion of the wooden box hints at personal belongings or a symbolic token, a common motif in Bailly’s work to suggest the sitter’s private life.