Artwork
Portrait of an Old Gentleman
Portrait of an Old Gentleman is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Salomon Koninck. It dates from 1642 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland. Created circa 1642, this oil painting depicts an elderly gentleman seated in a high-backed chair.
About this work
Overview
Created circa 1642, this oil painting depicts an elderly gentleman seated in a high-backed chair. He wears a long coat, a cloak draped over his shoulders, and a hat set back on his head, his white beard prominent. The figure is positioned against a dark backdrop, with a table to his right holding an open book, suggesting a scholarly atmosphere.
Subject & Meaning
The sitter appears absorbed in contemplation, his gaze directed downward, obscuring his facial features. The inclusion of a book and the dignified attire imply a learned or intellectual status, a common motif in Dutch portraiture that emphasizes wisdom and the virtues of study.
Technique & Style
The work exhibits the warm tonal palette and subtle chiaroscuro typical of the Dutch Golden Age, likely influenced by Koninck’s association with Rembrandt’s circle. Soft modeling of flesh and the gradual transition from light to shadow create a three‑dimensional presence, while the dark background isolates the figure.
History & Provenance
Painted by Salomon Koninck, a Amsterdam‑born artist trained under Pieter Lastman, the piece entered the collection of the National Gallery of Ireland, where it remains on display. Koninck’s oeuvre, noted for genre scenes and portraits of scholarly men, situates this work within his broader output.
Artist & collection
Artist
Salomon (de) Koninck (1609 – buried 8 August 1656) was a Dutch painter of genre scenes and portraits, and an engraver.
