Artwork

Portrait of a man in a white jabot

Portrait of a man in a white jabot, by Feliks Pęczarski, oil, 1837
Portrait of a man in a white jabot, by Feliks Pęczarski, oil, 1837

Portrait of a man in a white jabot is an oil painting by the Biedermeier artist Feliks Pęczarski. It dates from 1837 and is held in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

About this work

Overview

Feliks Pęczarski’s 1837 oil portrait presents a solitary gentleman dressed in a dark coat complemented by a stark white jabot. The figure is rendered against an unadorned, darkened backdrop that isolates him, directing the viewer’s attention to his composed expression and attire. The work resides in the collection of the National Museum in Warsaw.

Subject & Meaning

The sitter appears as a dignified, middle‑aged man with short hair, a neatly trimmed mustache, and a serious gaze. The white jabot, a formal, ruffled collar popular in the early nineteenth century, signals his social standing and adherence to contemporary fashion, while the subdued demeanor suggests a portrait intended for personal or familial commemoration rather than public display.

Technique & Style
Thick, impasto brushwork is evident on the collar and fabric folds, adding tactile depth, while softer, blended strokes model the facial features.

Pęczarski employs a relatively restrained palette, allowing the contrast between the luminous jabot and the somber coat to dominate. Thick, impasto brushwork is evident on the collar and fabric folds, adding tactile depth, while softer, blended strokes model the facial features. Subtle chiaroscuro creates a gentle illumination that separates the figure from the dark ground, enhancing three‑dimensionality.

History & Provenance

Executed in 1837, the painting entered the holdings of the National Museum in Warsaw, where it remains part of the institution’s 19th‑century Polish art collection. Documentation traces its acquisition to the museum’s early efforts to preserve works by native artists, reflecting the broader 19th‑century interest in national cultural heritage.

Portrait of the Artist´s Cousin and Brother-in-Law, the Grocer Christian Petersen
Portrait of the Artist´s Cousin and Brother-in-Law, the Grocer Christian Petersen, Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Feliks Pęczarski

Feliks Pęczarski (1804–1862) was an artist, born in Warsaw.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of a man in a white jabot?

Portrait of a man in a white jabot was painted by Feliks Pęczarski in 1837.

Where can I see Portrait of a man in a white jabot?

Portrait of a man in a white jabot is held by National Museum in Warsaw.

What movement is Portrait of a man in a white jabot?

Portrait of a man in a white jabot is associated with Biedermeier.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a man in a white jabot?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a man in a white jabot are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.