Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Portrait of a Man, unspecified, 1496
Portrait of a Man, unspecified, 1496

Portrait of a Man is an unspecified painting. It dates from 1496 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. This painting depicts a solitary male figure, rendered with a serious expression.

About this work

Technique & Style

Portrait of a Man is classified as a painting and takes the form of a portrait depicting a man. The work dates to 1491 and is held in the collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Its physical dimensions are recorded as 47.6 cm in height by 33 cm in width, indicating a small-scale panel or canvas support typical of late fifteenth-century portraiture.

History & Provenance

The painting is dated to 1491, with a specific inception recorded as 1 January 1491. It is attributed to a German (Nuremberg) painter. The work is part of the collection at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, where it remains located.

No information about the commission, original patron, or earlier ownership chain before its acquisition by the museum is provided in the available sources.arthistory

Overview
He is shown from the waist up, dressed in dark attire, and positioned before a simulated window that reveals a distant landscape.

This painting depicts a solitary male figure, rendered with a serious expression. He is shown from the waist up, dressed in dark attire, and positioned before a simulated window that reveals a distant landscape. The artist employs distinct lighting to emphasize the contours of the man's face and clothing, drawing the viewer's attention to his contemplative demeanor and the small object held in his hands.

Subject & Meaning

The subject of the portrait is a man with dark hair, whose gaze conveys a solemn intensity. He wears a dark hat, a striped white tunic, and a brown cloak, with his hands clasped together at the front. Between his fingers, a small red object is visible, its significance left open to interpretation. This deliberate pose and the inclusion of the enigmatic item contribute to the portrait's introspective quality.

Self-Portrait
Self-Portrait, Albrecht Dürer

Artist & collection

Frequently asked questions

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Metropolitan Museum of Art.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Northern Renaissance.