Who painted Portrait of a young man?

Portrait of a young man was painted by Jacob van der Merck in 1640.

Where can I see Portrait of a young man?

Portrait of a young man is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Portrait of a young man?

Portrait of a young man is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Portrait of a young man

Jacob van der Merck , 1640

Portrait of a young man is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Jacob van der Merck. It dates from 1640 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Jacob van der Merck’s portrait of a young man, dated 1640, is an oil painting now part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. The work presents a half‑length figure against a subdued, gray‑brown backdrop, emphasizing the sitter’s features through careful handling of light and shade.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is a youthful male with dark hair and a neatly trimmed beard, dressed in a black jacket trimmed with a white collar. He is positioned slightly turned to his right, yet his eyes meet the viewer directly, suggesting a poised yet intimate engagement.

Technique & Style

Van der Merck employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, allowing the illuminated planes of the face and clothing to emerge from the darker background. The muted tonal range and soft transitions create a sense of three‑dimensionality, while the restrained palette reflects the Dutch portrait tradition of the mid‑17th century.

History & Provenance

Created in 1640, the painting entered the Gemäldegalerie’s holdings in the early 20th century, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its presence in a major German museum underscores its attribution to van der Merck and its relevance to the study of Dutch portraiture of the period.