Artwork

Half-length portrait of a young man

Half-length portrait of a young man, by Ferdinand Bol, paint, 1651
Half-length portrait of a young man, by Ferdinand Bol, paint, 1651

Half-length portrait of a young man is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1651 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

This 1651 painting is a representative work by Dutch artist Ferdinand Bol, created during the Dutch Golden Age. It is a portrait executed in paint.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait depicts a young man with long, wavy hair, dressed in a dark robe and lighter-colored shirt, holding a piece of paper or book. His gaze is directed to the right, with a subtle tilt to his face, and he wears a delicate necklace.

Technique & Style

Bol employs chiaroscuro to achieve a sense of depth and contrast, characteristic of his style, which was influenced by his study under Rembrandt. The plain, light background serves to focus attention on the subject.

History & Provenance

The painting is now held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Bol's work often featured historical subjects, portraits, and figures in elaborate attire, reflecting his training and the artistic trends of his time.

Portrait of a Young Man
Portrait of a Young Man, Willem Drost

Artist & collection

Portrait of Ferdinand Bol

Artist

Ferdinand Bol

Ferdinand Bol (24 June 1616 - 24 August 1680) was a Dutch painter, etcher and draftsman.

This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: Gemäldegalerie Berlin open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Half-length portrait of a young man?

Half-length portrait of a young man was painted by Ferdinand Bol in 1651.

Where can I see Half-length portrait of a young man?

Half-length portrait of a young man is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Half-length portrait of a young man?

Half-length portrait of a young man is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Can I buy a print of Half-length portrait of a young man?

Museum-quality prints of Half-length portrait of a young man are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.