Artwork

Bildnis eines alten Mannes (?)

Bildnis eines alten Mannes (?), by Gerrit Dou, unspecified, 1644
Bildnis eines alten Mannes (?), by Gerrit Dou, unspecified, 1644

Bildnis eines alten Mannes (?) is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Gerrit Dou. It dates from 1644 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. Bildnis eines alten Mannes (?

About this work

Overview

Bildnis eines alten Mannes (?) is a 1644 portrait painting by Gerrit Dou, a prominent figure in the Dutch Golden Age. The work exemplifies the era's attention to detail and individual likeness.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts an older man with a solemn expression, dressed in a dark, high-collared coat and hat, holding a sword. His attire and accessories, including a bracelet, suggest potential nobility or military affiliation, conveying an air of gravity and dignity.

Technique & Style

As a member of the Leiden *fijnschilders*, Dou employed his characteristic meticulous technique in this small-scale portrait, set against a dark background to accentuate the subject's features, reflecting the group's emphasis on refined detail.

History & Provenance

Created in 1644 by Gerrit Dou, a student of Rembrandt, the painting is now part of the Alte Pinakothek's collection.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Gerrit Dou

Artist

Gerrit Dou

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.