Artwork
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a Young Man is an unspecified painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Ambrosius Holbein. It dates from 1518 and is held in the collection of the Hermitage Museum.
About this work
He’s wearing a white collar and a dark green doublet, sitting with one hand resting on a window ledge.
This painting shows a young man with short brown hair and a black cap. He’s wearing a white collar and a dark green doublet, sitting with one hand resting on a window ledge. Behind him, a richly decorated room has carved wood trim and a ceiling with exposed beams. Outside the window is a detailed cityscape with buildings and a bridge.
The date on the plaque behind him reads "MDXVIII," which matches the year 1518. The way light falls on his face and clothes creates a soft contrast.
Next, look up chiaroscuro to see how this lighting trick works.
Overview
Ambrosius Holbein painted 'Portrait of a Young Man' in 1518, a work characteristic of the Northern Renaissance. The painting is now held in the State Hermitage Museum.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts a young man sitting by a window, dressed in attire typical of the period, with a cityscape visible outside. The date 'MDXVIII' (1518) is inscribed on a plaque behind him, confirming the painting's date.
Technique & Style
The painting showcases Holbein's skill in capturing soft contrasts through the use of light and shadow on the subject's face and clothing, a technique related to chiaroscuro. The detailed rendering of the room and cityscape outside reflects the Northern Renaissance's emphasis on realism.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ambrosius Holbein (c. 1494 – c. 1519) was a German and later a Swiss artist in painting, drawing, and printmaking. He was the elder brother, by about three years, of Hans Holbein the Younger, but he appears to have died…
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