Artwork

Portrait of pastor Daniel Tanner (1581–1646)

Portrait of pastor Daniel Tanner (1581–1646), by Unknown, oil, 1640
Portrait of pastor Daniel Tanner (1581–1646), by Unknown, oil, 1640

Portrait of pastor Daniel Tanner (1581–1646) is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Unknown. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw. The Portrait of Pastor Daniel Tanner is an oil painting depicting a solemn figure in dark attire with a white ruff collar.

About this work

The text at the top reads "Deum Time Regem" and the date "Anno Aetatis LIX Christi 1640," which likely means the man was 59 years old in 1640.

This painting shows a serious-looking man in a dark robe and white ruff collar. His bushy white beard and mustache frame a stern face. His hands rest on a small wooden box or book, and the background is plain and dark. The edges of the painting have faded, but you can still see the writing along the top and bottom borders.

The text at the top reads "Deum Time Regem" and the date "Anno Aetatis LIX Christi 1640," which likely means the man was 59 years old in 1640. His expression is calm but intense, and the lighting focuses sharply on his face.

If you want to learn more about how this painting uses light and shadow, look up chiaroscuro.

Overview

The Portrait of Pastor Daniel Tanner is an oil painting depicting a solemn figure in dark attire with a white ruff collar.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, identified by the inscription, is Pastor Daniel Tanner, shown at age 59 in 1640. The text "Deum Time Regem" accompanies his image, while his calm yet intense expression conveys a sense of gravitas.

Technique & Style

The painting employs chiaroscuro, a technique using strong contrasts between light and dark to focus attention on the subject's face. The dark background and the subject's dark robe heighten the effect of the lighting.

History & Provenance

The painting is dated to 1640, as indicated by the inscription "Anno Aetatis LIX Christi 1640".

Artist & collection

Artist

Unknown

entity whose identity is not known