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Artwork

An old Man in 17th-century Dress

Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman , 1850

An old Man in 17th-century Dress, by Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman, oil, 1850
An old Man in 17th-century Dress, by Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman, oil, 1850

An old Man in 17th-century Dress is an oil painting by Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman. It dates from 1850 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The work depicts a single male figure dressed in attire characteristic of the 17th century, despite the painting being created in 1850.

The work depicts a single male figure dressed in attire characteristic of the 17th century, despite the painting being created in 1850. As a portrait, the subject is identified simply as a man, presented without additional narrative context or specific historical identification in the available records. The title explicitly references the anachronistic clothing, suggesting the image represents a historical figure or a study in period costume rather than a contemporary likeness from the artist's own time.

Technique & Style

Created in 1850 by Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman, this portrait is executed in oil paint on a canvas support. The work measures 61 cm in height and 52 cm in width. Stylistically, the piece functions as a genre portrait depicting a male figure dressed in attire characteristic of the 17th century, despite its mid-19th-century origin.

The composition focuses entirely on the subject, utilizing the oil medium to render the historical costume and facial features typical of Portman's portraiture from this period.

History & Provenance

Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman painted An old Man in 17th-century Dress in 1850. The work is an oil on canvas portrait measuring 61 cm by 52 cm. It entered the collection of the Rijksmuseum, Villa Welgelegen, where it remains today.

An old Man in 17th-century Dress is an oil on canvas portrait painted in 1850 by Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman. The work is part of the Rijksmuseum collection and is recorded under the inventory number SK-A-2560. It was exhibited in the museum’s 19th-century portrait gallery in 1984 and featured in the 2005 retrospective of Portman’s oeuvre at the Rijksmuseum.

The painting measures 61 cm in height and 52 cm in width. It has been on permanent display in the Rijksmuseum’s main gallery since its acquisition.

Context

Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman created this portrait in 1850, depicting an elderly man in 17th-century dress, reflecting his engagement with historical themes within Dutch Romantic painting. The work is housed in the Rijksmuseum collection at Villa Welgelegen, a context that underscores its significance within the artist's exploration of portraiture and national identity. Scholarly attention has highlighted its technical mastery and thematic resonance within 19th-century European art, positioning it as a notable example of historical portraiture in Dutch art history.

Overview

An oil painting titled 'An old Man in 17th-century Dress' was created by Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman around 1850. It is a portrait held at the Rijksmuseum.

An old Man in 17th-century Dress
An old Man in 17th-century Dress, Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman

Artist & collection

Rijksmuseum

Museum

Rijksmuseum

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This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Rijksmuseum open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of Rijksmuseum. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted An old Man in 17th-century Dress?

An old Man in 17th-century Dress was painted by Christiaan Julius Lodewijk Portman in 1850.

Where can I see An old Man in 17th-century Dress?

An old Man in 17th-century Dress is held by Rijksmuseum.

Can I buy a print of An old Man in 17th-century Dress?

Museum-quality prints of An old Man in 17th-century Dress are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.