Who painted Portrait of a Husband?

Portrait of a Husband was painted by Hendrick Bloemaert in 1647.

Where can I see Portrait of a Husband?

Portrait of a Husband is held by Walters Art Museum.

What movement is Portrait of a Husband?

Portrait of a Husband is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Husband?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Husband are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Husband

Hendrick Bloemaert , 1647

Portrait of a Husband is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Hendrick Bloemaert. It dates from 1647 and is held in the collection of the Walters Art Museum.

About this work

Overview

Hendrick Bloemaert’s 1647 oil painting, titled Portrait of a Husband, presents a single male sitter against a dark backdrop. The work is part of the Walters Art Museum’s collection and exemplifies mid‑seventeenth‑century Dutch portraiture, focusing on the individual’s presence rather than narrative context.

Subject & Meaning

The figure is a man with curly brown hair, dressed in a black coat trimmed with lace cuffs and a crisp white collar. He holds a book in his left hand, suggesting literacy or scholarly pursuits, while a ring on his right hand may indicate marital status. His direct gaze and solemn expression convey a sense of personal dignity.

Technique & Style

Bloemaert employs chiaroscuro, using strong contrasts between the illuminated clothing and face and the surrounding darkness to model form and create spatial depth. The subtle gradations of light on the fabric and skin enhance the three‑dimensional effect, guiding the viewer’s attention to the sitter’s face and hands.

History & Provenance

Painted in 1647, the portrait entered the Walters Art Museum’s holdings through acquisition in the early twentieth century. Its attribution to Bloemaert, a member of a prominent Dutch artistic family, has been confirmed by stylistic analysis and documentation linking the work to the artist’s known oeuvre.