Who painted Portrait of a Man Aged 40?

Portrait of a Man Aged 40 was painted by Jacob Gerritsz Cuyp in 1651.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man Aged 40?

Portrait of a Man Aged 40 is held by National Gallery of Ireland.

What movement is Portrait of a Man Aged 40?

Portrait of a Man Aged 40 is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man Aged 40

Jacob Gerritsz Cuyp , 1651

Portrait of a Man Aged 40 is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jacob Gerritsz Cuyp. It dates from 1651 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. Jacob Gerritsz.

About this work

Overview

Jacob Gerritsz. Cuyp, a Dutch painter active in the mid‑17th century, executed the oil on canvas entitled Portrait of a Man Aged 40 in 1651. The work belongs to the period commonly referred to as the Dutch Golden Age and presents a single male sitter rendered against a dark, unadorned backdrop.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a man of approximately forty years, his expression sober and composed. He is dressed in a dark over‑coat with a white collar, his hands placed over his chest, suggesting a stance of modest dignity. The lack of overt symbols leaves the sitter’s identity and occupation ambiguous, focusing attention on his personal presence.

Technique & Style

Cuyp employs a side lighting scheme that highlights the facial planes, creating a subtle three‑dimensional effect through chiaroscuro. Soft, graduated shadows model the features, while the muted background isolates the figure. The brushwork is restrained, emphasizing the texture of the coat and the delicate rendering of the skin tones.

History & Provenance

Born in Dordrecht, Cuyp was the son of stained‑glass designer Gerrit Gerritsz. Cuyp and initially painted still lifes and interior scenes before turning to portraiture and pastoral landscapes. The painting’s later ownership records are sparse, but it remains attributed to Cuyp, linking it to his early portrait output before his son Aelbert Cuyp achieved greater fame.