Who painted Young Man with a bow?

Young Man with a bow was painted by Pieter de Grebber in 1631.

Where can I see Young Man with a bow?

Young Man with a bow is held by Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

What movement is Young Man with a bow?

Young Man with a bow is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Young Man with a bow

Pieter de Grebber , 1631

Young Man with a bow is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter de Grebber. It dates from 1631 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister.

About this work

Overview

Pieter de Grebber’s oil portrait, dated 1631, presents a youthful figure clutching a bow. The sitter, dressed in a fur‑trimmed hat and a buttoned coat, gazes directly at the viewer with a composed, solemn expression. The work is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, where it remains on display.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure is a young man, his right hand firmly grasping a bow, suggesting an association with hunting or martial skill. The direct eye contact and restrained demeanor convey a sense of self‑assurance, inviting contemplation of the sitter’s status or personal identity within the early‑17th‑century Dutch context.

Technique & Style

De Grebber employs chiaroscuro, contrasting illuminated areas of the face and clothing with a dark, muted background. This handling of light creates a three‑dimensional effect, emphasizing the texture of the fur hat and the sheen of the coat’s fabric. The plain backdrop serves to isolate the figure, focusing attention on his features and the bow.

History & Provenance

Executed in 1631, the portrait entered the holdings of the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister, a major German museum of European paintings. Documentation traces its acquisition to the museum’s early 20th‑century collection efforts, though earlier ownership records remain scarce.

Context

The painting reflects the Dutch Golden Age’s interest in individual portraiture, where personal attributes—such as attire and accessories—signaled social rank and occupation. De Grebber, active in Haarlem, integrated Baroque influences with a restrained, sober aesthetic typical of his regional peers.