Artwork

Portret van Ferdinand Bol

Portret van Ferdinand Bol, by Ferdinand Bol, oil, 1653
Portret van Ferdinand Bol, by Ferdinand Bol, oil, 1653

Portret van Ferdinand Bol is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Overview

Portret van Ferdinand Bol is a self-portrait painted in 1653 by Ferdinand Bol, a Dutch artist of the 17th century. Executed in oil on canvas, the work is characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of cultural and economic flourishing in the Netherlands.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts the artist himself, dressed in attire indicative of his status, including a dark, ornate hat, a red cloak, and gold-trimmed sleeves. He holds a feather fan and a small brush, subtly alluding to his profession as an artist. The pose suggests a formal portrait, yet the inclusion of artistic tools adds a layer of self-representation.

Technique & Style

The painting exhibits expressive qualities and the effective use of chiaroscuro, where strong contrasts between light and dark create a three-dimensional effect, particularly noticeable on the subject's face and clothing. This technique, along with the overall style, reflects Bol's training under Rembrandt.

History & Provenance

Created in 1653, the portrait is now part of the Rijksmuseum's collection in the Netherlands, a prominent repository of Dutch Golden Age art.

Context

As a product of the Dutch Golden Age, this portrait not only represents Bol's individual artistic voice but also the broader cultural and artistic trends of 17th-century Netherlands, where portraiture and historical subjects were highly valued.

Legacy

While specific lasting impacts of *Portret van Ferdinand Bol* on the broader art historical canon are not prominently documented, it remains a significant example of Bol's work and his connection to the Rembrandt school, contributing to the understanding of Dutch Golden Age painting techniques and styles.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ferdinand Bol

Artist

Ferdinand Bol

Ferdinand Bol (24 June 1616 - 24 August 1680) was a Dutch painter, etcher and draftsman.

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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