Artwork

Portrait of J.H. Samuel Formey

Portrait of J.H. Samuel Formey, by Jacob van der, Schley, unspecified, 1750
Portrait of J.H. Samuel Formey, by Jacob van der, Schley, unspecified, 1750

Portrait of J.H. Samuel Formey is an unspecified painting by the Rococo painting artist Jacob van der, Schley. It dates from 1750 and is held in the collection of the Leiden University Libraries. Portrait of J.

About this work

Overview

Portrait of J.H. Samuel Formey is a painting depicting a contemplative scholar surrounded by books and papers, engaging the viewer with a direct gaze.

Subject & Meaning

The subject, J.H. Samuel Formey, is portrayed in a serene, introspective state, with his surroundings emphasizing his intellectual or literary pursuits.

Technique & Style

The painting employs sfumato, a technique characterized by soft, hazy effects and subtle transitions between light and dark, contributing to the work's contemplative atmosphere.

History & Provenance

The work is an adaptation of a painting by Vollert, though specific details about its creation, date, and original context are not provided.

Context

Understanding the painting's style is facilitated by recognizing the influence of sfumato, a method popularized during the Renaissance, particularly by Leonardo da Vinci.

Legacy

No specific information is given regarding the painting's impact, exhibitions, or significance beyond its representation of Formey and its stylistic characteristics.

Artist & collection