Who painted Portrait of a Seated Man?

Portrait of a Seated Man was painted by Cornelis Ploos van Amstel in 1771.

Where can I see Portrait of a Seated Man?

Portrait of a Seated Man is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Seated Man?

Portrait of a Seated Man is associated with Romanticism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Seated Man?

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

Artwork

Portrait of a Seated Man

Cornelis Ploos van Amstel , 1771

Portrait of a Seated Man is a chalk print by the Romanticist artist Cornelis Ploos van Amstel. It dates from 1771 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

Inscription: Inscribed:below tassle in image: C. Visscher fecit / Ao 1651

About this work

Overview

Cornelis Ploos van Amstel’s 1771 print, titled Portrait of a Seated Man, is a chalk‑manner work executed in black ink on laid paper and later enhanced with red chalk. The piece exists as a proof, indicating it was produced before the final edition was issued.

Subject & Meaning

The image presents a solitary figure seated before a curtain, his gaze directed inward. Dressed in a dark coat trimmed with a white collar and a delicate lace cravat, the man rests his right forearm on his lap while his left arm hangs loosely, conveying a mood of quiet introspection.

Technique & Style

The artist employed the chalk‑manner print technique, which imitates the soft tonal qualities of chalk drawings through ink. After the initial printing, selective areas were hand‑colored with red chalk, adding subtle highlights that enhance the fabric’s texture and the sitter’s complexion.

History & Provenance

Created in the late eighteenth century, the work reflects Ploos van Amstel’s interest in reproducing the nuanced effects of drawing within the print medium. As a proof, it likely served as a test before the issuance of a larger edition, though specific ownership records prior to its museum acquisition remain limited.

Context

The portrait aligns with the broader Romantic sensibility emerging in the period, emphasizing individual feeling and personal reflection. Its restrained palette and focus on the sitter’s inner state echo the era’s shift toward portraying emotional depth over formal grandeur.