Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Ferdinand Bol in 1648.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Ferdinand Bol , 1648

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1648 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections.

About this work

Overview

Ferdinand Bol’s *Portrait of a Man* was painted in 1648 using oil on canvas. Executed during the Dutch Golden Age, the work exemplifies the period’s focus on realistic, individualized portraiture. The painting is part of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection, where it is displayed among other 17th‑century Dutch works.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas presents a solitary male sitter dressed in a dark coat and black hat, his white collar and cuffs providing a subtle contrast. He rests his hands on a dark surface and gazes slightly off‑center, his expression measured and contemplative, inviting viewers to consider his social standing and personal demeanor.

Technique & Style

Bol employs a restrained chiaroscuro, allowing soft illumination to model the sitter’s face and hands while the background remains flat. This manipulation of light and shadow creates a sense of three‑dimensionality without elaborate detail, reflecting the influence of his teacher Rembrandt and the broader Dutch interest in naturalistic rendering.

History & Provenance

A pupil of Rembrandt, Bol developed a reputation for portraiture and historical scenes in mid‑17th‑century Amsterdam. After remaining in private hands for several generations, the painting entered the Alte Pinakothek’s holdings in the 19th century, where it has been conserved as a representative example of Bol’s mature style.