Artwork

Portrait of a Male Member of the Szalay Family

Portrait of a Male Member of the Szalay Family, by Stephan Dorfmeister, oil, 1773
Portrait of a Male Member of the Szalay Family, by Stephan Dorfmeister, oil, 1773

Portrait of a Male Member of the Szalay Family is an oil painting by the Rococo painting artist Stephan Dorfmeister. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the Hungarian National Gallery.

About this work

Overview

The Portrait of a Male Member of the Szalay Family is an oil painting created by Stephan Dorfmeister in 1773. It is a representative example of the artist's work during the Rococo period.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a man from the Szalay family, dressed in 18th-century attire, conveying social status through his clothing and posture. The subject's individualized representation reflects the era's emphasis on capturing personal characteristics.

Technique & Style

Dorfmeister's use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth and dimensionality, while refined detail and elegance characterize his portrayal of the subject. The dark background accentuates the man's features and clothing, showcasing the artist's skill in portraiture.

History & Provenance

The painting is part of the Hungarian National Gallery's collection. Dorfmeister, a German-born painter, was active in the Burgenland and Transdanubia regions of Hungary, where he specialized in portraiture.

Artist & collection

Artist

Stephan Dorfmeister

Stephan Dorfmeister or, in Hungarian, Dorffmaister István (1729 – 29 May 1797) was a painter of German ethnicity who worked primarily in Burgenland and Transdanubia (now part of Hungary).