Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Follower of Alessandro Longhi in 1773.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Baroque.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Follower of Alessandro Longhi , 1773

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Baroque artist Follower of Alessandro Longhi. It dates from 1773 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Technique & Style

The work is an oil painting on canvas, measuring 76.2 cm by 60.9 cm (height × width). It belongs to the portrait genre and depicts a solitary male sitter, a format typical of 18th-century European portraiture. The artist is listed as an anonymous master associated with Alessandro Longhi. No specific condition issues are documented.

History & Provenance

The painting, attributed to an unknown artist or possibly Alessandro Longhi, is executed in oil on canvas and dated 1773.

The painting, attributed to an unknown artist or possibly Alessandro Longhi, is executed in oil on canvas and dated 1773. Its specific commission details remain undocumented. Provenance traces the work to Mrs. S. W. DuBois of Washington, D.C., who recalled the painting originating from Italy.

Mrs. DuBois gifted the portrait to the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C., in 1946, where it remains part of the permanent collection. No further information regarding prior owners is provided in the current sources.

Overview

This oil on canvas, titled Portrait of a Man, depicts a male figure seated within an unadorned interior. The artist rendered the subject with meticulous attention to detail, particularly in his attire and facial features, conveying a sense of realism. The composition emphasizes the man's presence through a focused portrayal against a subdued backdrop, drawing the viewer's gaze directly to his serious countenance.

Subject & Meaning

The painting centers on a man presented in formal attire, his expression solemn and contemplative. He occupies a modest room, which serves to direct full attention to his figure. The artist's choice to highlight the man's face and elaborate clothing suggests an intent to convey his status or character, while the simplicity of his surroundings prevents any distraction from his individual presence.