Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man, by Isaac Oliver, unspecified, 1615
Portrait of a Man, by Isaac Oliver, unspecified, 1615

Portrait of a Man is an unspecified portrait miniature by the Baroque artist Isaac Oliver. It dates from 1615 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Man is a portrait miniature by Isaac Oliver, dated to circa 1615, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a bearded man with a mustache, dressed in a black garment with a visible white collar, set against a plain dark blue background. His softly illuminated face, particularly the nuanced shading around his eyes and beard, conveys depth and character.

Technique & Style

The work employs subtle chiaroscuro, with soft front lighting accentuating the subject's features. The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of volume, especially evident in the facial structure and beard.

History & Provenance

Created around 1615 by Isaac Oliver, the portrait is now housed at The Cleveland Museum of Art. The original gold frame, showing signs of wear, suggests a history of handling.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Isaac Oliver

Artist

Isaac Oliver

Isaac Oliver was an English portrait miniature painter.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Cleveland Museum of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.