Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Pieter Claesz Soutman in 1636.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Pieter Claesz Soutman , 1636

Portrait of a Man is a paint painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Pieter Claesz Soutman. It dates from 1636 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1636, this oil portrait by Dutch painter Pieter Soutman presents a solitary male figure rendered against a warm, reddish‑brown backdrop.

Created in 1636, this oil portrait by Dutch painter Pieter Soutman presents a solitary male figure rendered against a warm, reddish‑brown backdrop. The sitter is shown in dark clothing accented by a prominent white ruffled collar, his gaze meeting the viewer directly. The composition balances a restrained palette with a focused, dignified presence, characteristic of early‑17th‑century portraiture.

Subject & Meaning

The work portrays an unidentified gentleman, his stern expression and neatly arranged dark hair suggesting a person of status and self‑assurance. The direct eye contact and formal attire imply a desire to convey authority and personal integrity, common aims in private commissions of the period.

Technique & Style

Soutman employs chiaroscuro to model the figure, using subtle contrasts of light and shadow to give volume to the face and the intricate folds of the garment. The delicate rendering of the white collar against the dark fabric demonstrates careful attention to texture, while the warm background unifies the composition without distracting from the sitter.

History & Provenance

The painting has been part of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin’s collection, where it is displayed among other works of the Dutch Golden Age. Its accession to the museum reflects the institution’s focus on acquiring representative examples of 17th‑century portraiture.