Who painted Old man with a red cap?

Old man with a red cap was painted by Govert Flinck in 1639.

Where can I see Old man with a red cap?

Old man with a red cap is held by Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.

What movement is Old man with a red cap?

Old man with a red cap is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Old man with a red cap

Govert Flinck , 1639

Old man with a red cap is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Govert Flinck. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.

About this work

Overview

Govert Flinck’s 1639 oil portrait presents an elderly gentleman wearing a distinctive red cap. The figure is positioned slightly turned to the left, his white beard and solemn expression rendered with careful attention. A muted brown backdrop isolates the sitter, emphasizing his facial features and attire. The work is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait captures a mature man, likely of some standing, as suggested by his formal clothing—a dark jacket over a white, collared shirt. The gentle demeanor and detailed rendering of wrinkles convey a sense of dignity and experience, while the red cap adds a personal or possibly symbolic touch, drawing the viewer’s focus to the individual’s identity.

Technique & Style

Flinck employs a restrained palette, using oil to achieve subtle tonal variations across the skin and fabric. The brushwork is fine in the facial area, allowing precise depiction of wrinkles and beard texture, while broader strokes suggest the folds of the jacket. The brown background is smoothly blended, creating a neutral field that enhances the three‑dimensional presence of the sitter.

History & Provenance

Created in 1639, the painting has remained within the Dutch artistic tradition and is now housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister. Its provenance traces back to the artist’s workshop, where Flinck, a pupil of Rembrandt, produced portraits for patrons in Amsterdam, reflecting the period’s demand for personal likenesses.