Who painted Old Man holding a Pair of Spectacles?

Old Man holding a Pair of Spectacles was painted by Godfrey Kneller in 1668.

Where can I see Old Man holding a Pair of Spectacles?

Old Man holding a Pair of Spectacles is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Old Man holding a Pair of Spectacles?

Old Man holding a Pair of Spectacles is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Old Man holding a Pair of Spectacles

Godfrey Kneller , 1668

Old Man holding a Pair of Spectacles is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Godfrey Kneller. It dates from 1668 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum. Created in 1668, this oil painting portrays an elderly gentleman clutching a pair of spectacles.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1668, this oil painting portrays an elderly gentleman clutching a pair of spectacles. The work belongs to the early period of Sir Godfrey Kneller’s career, before he attained the status of court portraitist. It is presently part of the collection of the State Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is an aged man with a full white beard, dressed in a dark brown coat over a lighter shirt, and topped by a tall fur hat. He holds spectacles in one hand while the other rests on an open book, suggesting a scholarly or contemplative identity, perhaps emphasizing the virtues of learning and age.

Technique & Style

Kneller employs a chiaroscuro scheme, allowing a focused light source to illuminate the figure’s face and hands against a muted, shadowy backdrop. Soft gradations of shadow give the portrait a three‑dimensional presence, while the careful rendering of textures—fur, fabric, and glass—reflects the influence of Dutch Golden Age portraiture.

History & Provenance

Born in Germany and later naturalized as a British artist, Kneller rose to become the leading portraitist of the late Stuart and early Georgian periods, eventually serving as court painter to monarchs such as Charles II and George I. The painting entered the Hermitage’s holdings during the 18th‑century expansion of the museum’s European collection.