Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Peter Lely in 1656.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Peter Lely , 1656

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Peter Lely. It dates from 1656 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. Created in 1656, this oil portrait presents a solitary gentleman rendered in monochrome tones.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1656, this oil portrait presents a solitary gentleman rendered in monochrome tones. He is depicted with tightly curled hair, a solemn gaze, and attire that includes a dark coat trimmed with elaborate gold lace on the cuffs and a ruffled sleeve fastened by a bow. The figure stands before an unadorned dark backdrop, which concentrates attention on his features and clothing.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s serious expression and richly detailed dress convey a sense of personal dignity and social standing typical of mid‑seventeenth‑century portraiture. The conspicuous gold lace, painted with fine precision, serves as a visual indicator of wealth and rank, while the plain background removes narrative distraction, allowing the viewer to focus on the individual’s character.

Technique & Style

Executed in oil, the work reflects the Flemish Baroque tradition through its meticulous realism and subtle handling of light and shadow. The artist employs chiaroscuro to model the face and fabric, allowing the lace’s intricate patterns to catch highlights that suggest texture and material quality. The overall effect balances detailed surface treatment with a restrained compositional space.

History & Provenance

The portrait was painted by Peter Lely, a Dutch‑born artist who spent the bulk of his career in England and became the foremost portraitist to the English court. By the time of this painting, Lely had already secured his reputation, later receiving a knighthood from Charles II in 1680. The canvas is presently part of the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artist & collection

Artist

Peter Lely

Sir Peter Lely (Dutch: ; 14 September 1618 – 30 November 1680) was a painter of Dutch origin whose career was nearly all spent in England, where he became the dominant portrait painter to the court.