Artwork

Portrait of a Man Dressed in Black

Portrait of a Man Dressed in Black, by Jan van Calcar, oil, 1525
Portrait of a Man Dressed in Black, by Jan van Calcar, oil, 1525

Portrait of a Man Dressed in Black is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan van Calcar. It dates from 1525 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of a Man Dressed in Black is a 1525 oil painting by Jan van Calcar, a Northern Renaissance artist active in the Kingdom of Naples.

Subject & Meaning

The painting depicts Andreas Vesalius, shown with a serious expression, dressed in formal attire, and holding a small bird. The subject's identity and occupation are conveyed through his dignified pose and attire.

Technique & Style

The use of chiaroscuro, a strong contrast between light and dark, highlights the subject's features and textures, creating a sense of depth and volume. The artist's skillful handling of light and shadow adds to the overall realism of the portrait.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the State Hermitage Museum, having been created nearly five centuries ago in the cultural context of the Northern Renaissance.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jan van Calcar

Artist

Jan van Calcar

Jan Steven van Calcar (Italian: Giovanni da Calcar, Latin: Ioannes Stephanus Calcarensis) (c. 1499–1546) was a Holy Roman Empire-born painter in the Kingdom of Naples.

Hermitage Museum

Museum

Hermitage Museum

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