Artwork
Portrait of a Man
Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Northern Renaissance artist Jan Cornelisz Vermeyen. It dates from 1535 and is held in the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp.
About this work
Subject & Meaning
The painting, attributed to Maarten van Heemskerck, is housed in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, where it remains part of the Flemish art collection.
The sitter is portrayed half-length with arms resting on a table edge, wearing a sober black cloth suit, a close-fitting jerkin, and a high closed collar beneath a white shirt with a ruffled collar. A beret caps his head, while a serious yet subtly approachable expression is softened by the gesture of holding gloves rather than wearing them, a sign of respect and courtesy in formal encounters. This depiction reflects Renaissance notions of dignified presence and social conduct, emphasizing the sitter's status through meticulous attention to attire and symbolic accessories.
The painting, attributed to Maarten van Heemskerck, is housed in the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp, where it remains part of the Flemish art collection.
Technique & Style
This half-length portrait is executed in oil paint on a wooden panel. The composition features a male subject positioned behind a table edge, engaging the viewer with a direct, head-on gaze. He is attired in a sober black suit consisting of a close-fitting jerkin and a high, closed collar, with a white shirt visible underneath. A beret sits upon his head, completing the ensemble.
The figure's expression is serious yet approachable, a nuance reinforced by his gesture of holding rather than wearing his gloves. This specific handling of the accessories serves as a sign of courtesy and respect, suggesting the sitter's desire to both honor the viewer and command respect in return. The work measures 69 cm in height and 52 cm in width.
Overview
Portrait of a Man is an oil on canvas work linked to the Dutch artist Maarten van Heemskerck. The painting is part of the collection of the Royal Museum of Fine Arts in Antwerp, where it is displayed among other 16th‑century Northern European pieces.
History & Provenance
Although the work is not signed, stylistic analysis attributes it to Maarten van Heemskerck, a prominent painter active in the Netherlands during the 1540s. The painting entered the Royal Museum of Fine Arts, Antwerp, through acquisition in the early 20th century, where it has remained in the museum’s permanent collection.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Jan Cornelisz. Vermeyen, also known as Juan del Mayo (c. 1503 – 1559) was a Dutch painter, printmaker and tapestry designer. He is known for his portraits, history scenes and genre subjects. He worked in Mechelen and…
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