Artwork

Portrait of a Seated Man

Portrait of a Seated Man, by Jacobus Buys, chalk, 1771
Portrait of a Seated Man, by Jacobus Buys, chalk, 1771

Portrait of a Seated Man is a chalk print by the Romanticist artist Jacobus Buys. It dates from 1771 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of a Seated Man is a monochrome print created by Cornelis Ploos van Amstel in 1771, rendered in chalk manner printed in black ink on laid paper.

Subject & Meaning

The subject is a man seated in a contemplative pose, distinguished by curly hair, a short beard, and mustache, set against a draped curtain that obscures a window or doorway, implying a sense of intimacy or privacy.

Technique & Style

The print showcases meticulous draftsmanship through fine lines, capturing the intricacies of the subject's attire, hair texture, and soft, detailed shading, particularly around the face and hands, achieved through cross-hatching techniques to build layered shadows.

History & Provenance

Created in 1771 by Cornelis Ploos van Amstel, specific historical ownership or exhibition records prior to its current status are not detailed in available information.

Context

Emerging from the 18th-century European printmaking tradition, this work reflects the era's attention to detail and realism in portraiture, potentially influenced by prevailing Dutch artistic customs of the time.

Legacy

While not widely recognized as a landmark piece, Portrait of a Seated Man contributes to the broader understanding of 18th-century printmaking techniques and the oeuvre of Cornelis Ploos van Amstel.

Artist & collection

Portrait of Jacobus Buys

Artist

Jacobus Buys

Jacobus Buys (1726–1798) was an artist, born in Weesp.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.