Who painted Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)?

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) was painted by Willem Key in 1545.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)?

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)?

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) is associated with Mannerism.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)

Willem Key , 1545

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Willem Key. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1545, this oil painting is attributed to the Dutch artist Willem Key and is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. The work presents a single male figure rendered in a restrained palette, set against a dark, uniform background that emphasizes the sitter’s features and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait portrays a man in somber black clothing, complete with a black hat and a jacket trimmed with a white ruffled collar. His gaze looks to the left, his expression serious, and his right hand is raised, suggesting a gesture of address or affirmation. A ring on his finger hints at status or marital ties, though the identity remains uncertain.

Technique & Style

Key employs a limited tonal range, using deep shadows to model the face and clothing, while the white collar provides a focal contrast. The brushwork is smooth and controlled, typical of mid‑16th‑century Netherlandish portraiture, and the dark background eliminates distractions, directing attention to the sitter’s demeanor and attire.

History & Provenance

The painting has been in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin’s holdings for several decades, though its early provenance is not fully documented. It is sometimes identified as a self‑portrait of Willem Key, a hypothesis based on stylistic similarities to other known works by the artist, but definitive proof remains lacking.