Artwork

Portrait of a youth

Portrait of a youth, by Jan Roos, oil, 1601
Portrait of a youth, by Jan Roos, oil, 1601

Portrait of a youth is an oil painting by the Early Baroque Italian artist Jan Roos. It dates from 1601 and is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The painting shows a young figure holding a weapon, a detail that underscores themes of martial readiness and youthful vigor. This iconography aligns with contemporary interpretations of portraiture that used such symbols to convey status and potential for martial achievement. The work is part of the collection at the Museo del Prado, where it remains on public view.

Technique & Style

The figure is rendered with restrained detail, emphasizing clarity of contour and a restrained palette dominated by earth tones and subdued highlights.

The painting is executed in oil on canvas, with the support measuring 172 cm in height and 111 cm in width. The handling reflects early 17th-century Flemish practice, characterized by smooth modeling of the face and subtle transitions in tone to convey three-dimensionality. The figure is rendered with restrained detail, emphasizing clarity of contour and a restrained palette dominated by earth tones and subdued highlights. The composition remains centered on the sitter’s head and shoulders, typical of portraiture of the period.

History & Provenance

The work titled Portrait of a youth was created in 1601 by Jan Roos, who is identified as Jan I Roos in external records. It was painted as an oil work on canvas and falls within the portrait genre. The painting entered the collection of the Museo del Prado, where it remains on view at the museum's location.

Its dimensions are 172 cm in height and 111 cm in width, matching the recorded measurements of the work in the institution's holdings.

The painting Portrait of a youth by Jan Roos is held in the collection of the Museo del Prado in Madrid. The work, created in 1601, is executed in oil on canvas and measures 172 cm in height by 111 cm in width. While the sources confirm its current location and physical dimensions, no specific inventory or accession number is provided in the available records. Additionally, the provided documentation does not contain details regarding the artwork's exhibition history.

Overview

This oil painting, created in 1601, is the work of Jan Roos, a Flemish artist known in Italy as Giovanni Rosa. It is part of the Museo del Prado's collection.

A Boy
A Boy, Unknown

Artist & collection

Artist

Jan Roos

Jan Roos (1591–1638) was a Flemish artist who, after training in his native Antwerp, mainly worked in Italy where he was called Giovanni Rosa.

Museo del Prado

Museum

Museo del Prado

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

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Frequently asked questions

Who painted Portrait of a youth?

Portrait of a youth was painted by Jan Roos in 1601.

Where can I see Portrait of a youth?

Portrait of a youth is held by Museo del Prado.

What movement is Portrait of a youth?

Portrait of a youth is associated with Early Baroque Italian.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a youth?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a youth are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.