Artwork

Portrait of a Young Man

Portrait of a Young Man, by Frans van Mieris the Elder, oil
Portrait of a Young Man, by Frans van Mieris the Elder, oil

Portrait of a Young Man is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Frans van Mieris the Elder. It is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Young Man is an oil painting created by Frans van Mieris the Elder, a prominent Dutch painter, in 1691. It is now held in the State Hermitage Museum.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a young man seated at a wooden table, surrounded by books and papers, in a dimly lit room. His attire and surroundings suggest a studious or intellectual occupation.

Technique & Style

The artist employed chiaroscuro, a technique that uses strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of depth and draw attention to the subject. The interplay of light and shadow highlights the young man's features and clothing.

History & Provenance

Frans van Mieris the Elder was part of a Leiden family of painters, with his sons and grandson continuing his tradition. The painting is a representative work from the Dutch Golden Age, a period known for its significant cultural and artistic achievements.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Frans van Mieris the Elder

Artist

Frans van Mieris the Elder

Frans van Mieris the Elder (16 April 1635 – 12 March 1681), was a Dutch Golden Age genre and portrait painter.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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