Who painted An Old Man at his Desk?

An Old Man at his Desk was painted by Salomon Koninck in 1635.

Where can I see An Old Man at his Desk?

An Old Man at his Desk is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is An Old Man at his Desk?

An Old Man at his Desk is associated with Dutch Golden Age.

Artwork

An Old Man at his Desk

Salomon Koninck , 1635

An Old Man at his Desk is an unspecified painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Salomon Koninck. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1635 by Amsterdam‑born Salomon Koninck, this oil painting presents an elderly scholar seated at a wooden desk. The work exemplifies the Dutch Golden Age’s focus on quiet, intellectual moments, and it now resides in the Statens Museum for Kunst.

Subject & Meaning

The central figure, an aged man in a dark robe and black hat, rests his hand on his chin while holding a sheet of paper. Surrounded by books and scattered papers, he appears absorbed in contemplation, reflecting the period’s fascination with learned, introspective individuals.

Technique & Style

Koninck employs a pronounced chiaroscuro, allowing a soft, directional light to illuminate the man’s face and hands while the surrounding space recedes into shadow. The contrast heightens the sense of focus and lends a three‑dimensional quality to the figure and desk.

History & Provenance

Trained under artists such as Pieter Lastman and linked to Rembrandt’s circle, Koninck specialized in genre scenes and portraiture. After remaining in private hands for centuries, the painting entered the collection of Denmark’s National Gallery, where it is displayed today.

Context

The composition aligns with contemporary Dutch interests in scholarly subjects, echoing the broader cultural emphasis on education, moral reflection, and the quiet dignity of aging intellects during the 17th‑century mercantile boom.