Who painted Portrait of a Gentleman?

Portrait of a Gentleman was painted by Joachim Martin Falbe in 1763.

Where can I see Portrait of a Gentleman?

Portrait of a Gentleman is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Portrait of a Gentleman?

Portrait of a Gentleman is associated with Rococo painting.

Artwork

Portrait of a Gentleman

Joachim Martin Falbe , 1763

Portrait of a Gentleman is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Joachim Martin Falbe. It dates from 1763 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Joachim Martin Falbe’s oil painting, completed in 1763, presents a formally attired gentleman against a subdued landscape. The work is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin, where it is displayed among other 18th‑century portraits.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter is shown in a dark blue velvet coat trimmed with white lace, a white waistcoat, and a coiffure typical of the aristocracy of the period. His posture—right hand on the hip, left hand extended—combined with the dignified setting, signals an intention to emphasize his social rank and personal gravitas.

Technique & Style

Falbe employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated facial features and hands with deeper shadows in the surrounding drapery and background. This handling of light creates a three‑dimensional effect, guiding attention to the sitter’s expression and gestures while reinforcing the overall sense of formality.

History & Provenance

Since its creation in the mid‑18th century, the portrait has remained within German collections, ultimately entering the Gemäldegalerie’s holdings. Documentation traces its acquisition to the museum’s early 20th‑century expansion of German portraiture, though earlier ownership records are limited.