Who painted A Man Wearing a Red Jacket?

A Man Wearing a Red Jacket was painted by Luca Carlevarijs in 1705.

Where can I see A Man Wearing a Red Jacket?

A Man Wearing a Red Jacket is held by Victoria and Albert Museum.

What movement is A Man Wearing a Red Jacket?

A Man Wearing a Red Jacket is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

A Man Wearing a Red Jacket

Luca Carlevarijs , 1705

A Man Wearing a Red Jacket is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Luca Carlevarijs. It dates from 1705 and is held in the collection of the Victoria and Albert Museum.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1705 by the Venetian painter Luca Carlevarijs, this oil on canvas portrays a solitary figure dressed in a vivid red jacket. The work is part of the Victoria and Albert Museum’s collection and exemplifies the artist’s engagement with portraiture alongside his more celebrated cityscapes.

Subject & Meaning

The composition centers on a man standing before a muted brown backdrop. He wears a black hat, dark trousers, and shoes, with a white‑collared red coat and a dark belt. His right hand holds an indeterminate object, while his left rests at his side, suggesting a moment of quiet presence rather than narrative action.

Technique & Style

Carlevarijs applies oil paint with a restrained palette, allowing the bright red of the jacket to dominate against the subdued surroundings. The handling of light and texture reflects the Flemish Baroque influence that permeated Venetian art in the early eighteenth century, balancing detailed rendering with a modest compositional space.

History & Provenance

The painting entered the Victoria and Albert Museum’s holdings in the early twentieth century, where it has remained on public display. Its provenance prior to acquisition is not extensively documented, but the work’s attribution to Carlevarijs is supported by stylistic analysis and archival references to his portrait output.

Context

While Carlevarijs is chiefly remembered for pioneering vedute—detailed city views of Venice—this portrait demonstrates his versatility. The figure’s attire and pose align with contemporary conventions for individual portraiture, offering insight into the artist’s broader practice beyond the urban landscapes that later inspired Canaletto and Guardi.