Artwork

Man Aged Twenty Tuning a Violin

Man Aged Twenty Tuning a Violin, by Godaert Kamper, oil, 1645
Man Aged Twenty Tuning a Violin, by Godaert Kamper, oil, 1645

Man Aged Twenty Tuning a Violin is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Godaert Kamper. It dates from 1645 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland.

About this work

Overview

Man Aged Twenty Tuning a Violin is an oil painting created by Godaert Kamper in 1645. It is a portrait of a young man engaged in tuning his violin.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts a seated young man in a dimly lit room, wearing a black coat, white collar, and wide-brimmed hat, with his legs crossed and a violin in hand. The scene is set against a backdrop of a patterned curtain and a small table with a book and folded cloth.

Technique & Style

The artist's use of chiaroscuro, a technique that utilizes strong contrasts between light and dark, highlights the subject's face and hands, drawing attention to his activity. The violin's strings glow under his fingers, creating a sense of depth and focus.

History & Provenance

The painting is currently held at the National Gallery of Ireland.

Artist & collection

Artist

Godaert Kamper

Godaert Kamper (1613–1679) was an artist, born in Düsseldorf.