Who painted An Old Man in a Fur Cap?

An Old Man in a Fur Cap was painted by Karel van der Pluym in 1650.

Where can I see An Old Man in a Fur Cap?

An Old Man in a Fur Cap is held by Art Institute of Chicago.

What movement is An Old Man in a Fur Cap?

An Old Man in a Fur Cap is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of An Old Man in a Fur Cap?

Museum-quality prints of An Old Man in a Fur Cap are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

An Old Man in a Fur Cap

Karel van der Pluym , 1650

An Old Man in a Fur Cap is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Karel van der Pluym. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago.

About this work

Overview

Karel van der Pluym’s oil portrait, titled An Old Man in a Fur Cap, dates from around 1650. The work is part of the collection of the Art Institute of Chicago. It presents a solitary figure rendered against a dark backdrop, allowing the sitter’s facial features and hands to dominate the composition.

Subject & Meaning

The canvas depicts an elderly man with a long white beard, his fur cap pulled low over his brow. He rests his hands on a wooden surface, one grip tightened around a ring, suggesting personal possession or status. The stark lighting and subdued setting emphasize his age and the texture of his skin, inviting contemplation of mortality and experience.

Technique & Style

Van der Pluym employs a pronounced impasto, applying thick layers of paint to model the wrinkles of the face and the roughness of the hands. This tactile approach creates a three‑dimensional quality, enhancing the realism of the sitter’s weathered appearance. The dark background functions as a neutral field that heightens contrast and focus on the figure.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1650, the portrait entered the Art Institute of Chicago’s holdings through acquisition in the 20th century, though earlier ownership records remain sparse. Its presence in a major American museum reflects the growing interest in Dutch Golden Age portraiture among North American collectors during that period.

Context

The painting belongs to the Dutch tradition of mid‑17th‑century portraiture, where individual character and social standing were often conveyed through modest yet detailed representation. The use of fur headwear and a ring aligns with contemporary symbols of wealth and respectability, while the subdued palette mirrors the sober aesthetic favored by many Dutch artists of the era.