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Portrait of Mattheus Augustijnsz Steyn, Councilor in the College of the Admiralty of the Northern Quarter in Dokkum

Unknown

1588

unspecified

From the collection of Rijksmuseum

Northern Renaissance Renaissance Renaissance Portrait Oil Paint

Dominant colour

Portrait of Mattheus Augustijnsz Steyn, Councilor in the College of the Admiralty of the Northern Quarter in Dokkum is a 1588 unspecified by Unknown, a Northern Renaissance work, depicting Oil Paint, held at Rijksmuseum.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1588 · Northern Renaissance
Where can I see it?: Rijksmuseum

About this work

This painting shows a serious-looking man in a dark room. He’s wearing a black robe with a wide, fur-lined collar and a white ruff around his neck. In one hand, he holds a rolled-up paper or letter, and his other hand rests on a small table. Behind him, a round shield with a coat of arms is mounted on the wall. The fur trim suggests he was someone important, likely wealthy or powerful. The rolled paper might mean he was involved in writing or official work. The dark background and careful lighting focus all attention on him. If you like this style, look up chiaroscuro next.