Artwork
Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a Young Man is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Follower of Antonis Mor. It dates from 1558 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:upper left: .AE.S.20 / Ao.1558.
About this work
A young man with a serious look, dressed richly and wearing a broad hat. The oil-on-panel handling is assured, the work of a painter at ease with the medium. Painted in 1558. To learn more about the layering involved, look up glazing.
Subject & Meaning
The painting depicts a young man identified as Willem IV van den Bergh, a Dutch noble of the mid‑16th century, rendered in oil on panel in 1558.
The painting depicts a young man identified as Willem IV van den Bergh, a Dutch noble of the mid‑16th century, rendered in oil on panel in 1558. The work belongs to the portrait genre and shows the sitter in a manner typical of contemporary aristocratic portraiture, emphasizing his status through attire and bearing. No additional iconographic symbols or allegorical attributes are recorded; the meaning of the image rests on the representation of this specific individual as a young nobleman of his time.
Technique & Style
Portrait of a Young Man is an oil painting on wooden panel, created in 1558. The work is classified as a portrait and depicts the nobleman Willem IV van den Bergh. Its support is a panel, and the paint medium is oil, typical of Renaissance portraiture.
The composition follows contemporary conventions of half‑length figure representation, emphasizing fine detailing of clothing and facial features. The painting measures 97.5 cm in height and 69.9 cm in width, reflecting the standard dimensions of early‑modern portrait panels.
History & Provenance
Dated to 1558, this oil-on-panel portrait likely depicts Willem IV van den Bergh. Its documented ownership begins with Prince Karl Anton von Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen (d. 1885), passing successively to his son Leopold and grandson Wilhelm. Although absent from an 1883 family inventory, the work resided in the Fürstlich Hohenzollernsches Museum by 1924.
In 1928, it entered the trade via A.S. Drey, followed by M. Knoedler & Co. and Robert Frank, Ltd. By 1937, Baron Heinrich Thyssen-Bornemisza acquired the piece for his Lugano villa. Following his death, it passed to his daughter, Baroness Gabrielle Bentinck-Thyssen.
Consigned to Knoedler in 1951, the painting was purchased by the Samuel H. Kress Foundation in February 1952 and gifted to the National Gallery of Art in 1961, where it is held today.
Overview
The painting titled Portrait of a Young Man presents a solemn figure rendered in oil on panel. This work captures a youthful subject, distinguished by his elaborate attire and a prominent hat, conveying a sense of gravity. The artist's proficient handling of the medium, common during the era, is apparent in the detailed execution of the sitter's features and garments.
Artist & collection
Artist
Antonis Mor’s anonymous follower loved the drama of power. They draped their subjects in stiff lace collars and serious stares, making every court lady look like she could out-stare the king. You’ll spot this style in…
- Portrait of a Nobleman
Gabriël Cambry
Erzherzog Karl II. (1540-1590) mit dem Blick auf Graz, Kniestück
Portrait of a Gentleman
Sir John Shurley of Isfield (1565–1632)
Portrait of a Man in Armor
Male Portrait
Portrait of a Man in White
Philip of Asturias, later Philip III of Spain
Don Sebastián rey de Portugal
Philip III
Philipp II of Spain