Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck in 1647.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Hermitage Museum.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Man?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Man are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck , 1647

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck. It dates from 1647 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.

About this work

Overview

Johannes Cornelisz Verspronck, an early‑17th‑century portraitist active in Haarlem, completed this oil painting in 1647. Executed during the Dutch Golden Age, the work presents a single male sitter rendered with the restrained realism typical of the period. It now forms part of the State Hermitage Museum’s collection in St. Petersburg.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas portrays a gentleman dressed in a dark coat trimmed with a crisp white collar. His curly hair and neatly trimmed moustache frame a composed, serious expression. One hand rests on a tabletop, grasping a folded cloth or napkin, while the other is partially concealed, suggesting a moment of quiet contemplation.

Technique & Style

Verspronck employs pronounced chiaroscuro, using deep shadows to isolate the face and illuminate the texture of the fabric. The handling of light creates a subtle modeling of flesh and cloth, while the brushwork remains meticulous, emphasizing the tactile qualities of the coat and the sheen of the collar.

History & Provenance

After its creation in Haarlem, the portrait entered private hands before being acquired by the State Hermitage Museum, where it has remained on public display. The painting’s provenance reflects the broader movement of Dutch works into Russian imperial collections during the 18th and 19th centuries.