Who painted Portrait of a man?

Portrait of a man was painted by Unknown in 1531.

Where can I see Portrait of a man?

Portrait of a man is held by Bavarian State Painting Collections.

What movement is Portrait of a man?

Portrait of a man is associated with Mannerism.

Artwork

Portrait of a man

Unknown , 1531

Portrait of a man is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Unknown. It dates from 1531 and is held in the collection of the Bavarian State Painting Collections. The oil painting shows a seated man at a table, dressed in a black shirt and hat.

About this work

Overview

The oil painting shows a seated man at a table, dressed in a black shirt and hat. He holds a paper in his right hand and a coin in his left, while several other coins lie on the red‑cloth‑covered tabletop. A muted green backdrop isolates the figure, directing the viewer’s focus toward his composed expression.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s serious gaze meets the viewer directly, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation. The inclusion of paper and money may allude to a transaction, a contract, or personal affairs, inviting speculation about the man’s occupation or status and the thoughts he might be weighing.

Technique & Style

Rendered in oil, the work displays meticulous attention to texture: the folds of the black shirt are rendered with fine brushwork, and subtle chiaroscuro models the facial features. The red tablecloth and green background are treated with smooth, blended tones that enhance the three‑dimensionality of the figure.

Context

The painting aligns with the portrait tradition of the Alte Pinakothek’s collection, where detailed realism and restrained palettes were common. Its focus on a single individual, combined with symbolic objects, reflects the era’s interest in personal identity and material wealth.