Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Maurice Quentin de La Tour in 1704.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man is a drawing by Maurice Quentin de La Tour. It dates from 1704 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created around 1704, this portrait by French artist Maurice Quentin de La Tour is part of the collection at the Cleveland Museum of Art. The work presents a solitary male figure rendered with a restrained palette and a dark, unadorned backdrop that concentrates attention on the sitter’s face and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter appears as a dignified gentleman, his white hair fashioned into a neatly tied wig, and his expression calm and direct. He is dressed in a vivid red coat trimmed with gold, complemented by a white cravat, suggesting a status of confidence and possibly a formal or courtly role.

Technique & Style

La Tour employs delicate, blended strokes to model the skin and hair, achieving a smooth, lifelike surface. The contrast between the bright red coat and the deep background exemplifies a chiaroscuro effect, using light and shadow to give the figure a three‑dimensional presence without overt detail.

History & Provenance

The portrait entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings in the 20th century, though earlier ownership records are sparse. Its attribution to La Tour rests on stylistic analysis and the work’s dating to the early 1700s, aligning with the artist’s mature period.

Context

Maurice Quentin de La Tour was renowned for his pastel portraits of aristocracy and intellectuals in the Régence era. This work reflects the period’s emphasis on refined representation of individual character, aligning with contemporary French portraiture that favored clear delineation of rank through clothing and compositional simplicity.