Artwork
Portret van Ferdinand Bol

Portret van Ferdinand Bol is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Ferdinand Bol. It dates from 1653 and is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.
About this work
Technique & Style
Created in 1653 in Amsterdam, the work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age portrait tradition through its medium and scale.
The painting is executed in oil on canvas, measuring 105 by 82.5 cm. Created in 1653 in Amsterdam, the work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age portrait tradition through its medium and scale. The oil paint on canvas support was standard for professional portraiture of this period in the Netherlands, allowing for the detailed rendering of textures and subtle tonal transitions characteristic of Bol's approach.
History & Provenance
The portrait of Ferdinand Bol is dated 1653 and was created in Amsterdam while Bol was active there. It is an oil painting on canvas measuring 105 cm in height and 82.5 cm in width. The work is held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum, where it remains located.
Overview
Portret van Ferdinand Bol is a self-portrait painted in 1653 by Ferdinand Bol, a Dutch artist of the 17th century. Executed in oil on canvas, the work is characteristic of the Dutch Golden Age, a period of cultural and economic flourishing in the Netherlands.
Subject & Meaning
The portrait depicts the artist himself, dressed in attire indicative of his status, including a dark, ornate hat, a red cloak, and gold-trimmed sleeves. He holds a feather fan and a small brush, subtly alluding to his profession as an artist. The pose suggests a formal portrait, yet the inclusion of artistic tools adds a layer of self-representation.
Context
As a product of the Dutch Golden Age, this portrait not only represents Bol's individual artistic voice but also the broader cultural and artistic trends of 17th-century Netherlands, where portraiture and historical subjects were highly valued.
Legacy
While specific lasting impacts of Portret van Ferdinand Bol on the broader art historical canon are not prominently documented, it remains a significant example of Bol's work and his connection to the Rembrandt school, contributing to the understanding of Dutch Golden Age painting techniques and styles.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Ferdinand Bol (24 June 1616 - 24 August 1680) was a Dutch painter, etcher and draftsman.


















