Artwork
Head of a Negro
Head of a Negro is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerrit Dou. It dates from 1651 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.
About this work
Overview
Head of a Negro is a 1651 painting by Gerrit Dou, a Dutch Golden Age artist known for meticulous detail.
Subject & Meaning
The painting is a close-up study of a man's head, depicting a contemplative figure with dark skin and curly hair, wearing a dark robe against a gray background.
Technique & Style
Dou's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of volume and depth, with strong contrasts between light and dark. The work showcases his skill with texture and light, characteristic of the Leiden fijnschilders' refined style.
History & Provenance
The painting is part of the Dutch Golden Age movement and is held in the Statens Museum for Kunst.
Artist & collection
Artist
Gerrit Dou (pronounced ; 7 April 1613 – 9 February 1675), also known as Gerard Douw or Dow, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, whose small, highly polished paintings are typical of the Leiden fijnschilders.
