Who painted Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man was painted by Willem Key in 1551.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

What movement is Portrait of a Man?

Portrait of a Man is associated with Flemish Baroque painting.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Man?

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

Artwork

Portrait of a Man

Willem Key , 1551

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting by the Flemish Baroque painting artist Willem Key. It dates from 1551 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Subject & Meaning

The sitter’s sober attire and direct gaze convey a sense of dignified presence, reflecting contemporary ideals of civic virtue and personal identity.

The work depicts a solitary man rendered in oil on panel, a format typical of 16th‑century Netherlandish portraiture. The sitter’s sober attire and direct gaze convey a sense of dignified presence, reflecting contemporary ideals of civic virtue and personal identity. The composition lacks overt allegorical symbols, allowing the figure himself to serve as the primary emblem of status and individuality within the period’s portrait genre.

Technique & Style

Created in 1551, this portrait by Willem Key is executed in oil paint on a panel support. The work measures 66.5 cm in height and 47.3 cm in width. Classified as a portrait, the painting depicts a man and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst. The medium and support are consistent with Northern Renaissance portraiture practices of the mid-16th century.

History & Provenance

The work titled Portrait of a Man was created in 1551 by the artist Willem Key. Executed in oil paint on a panel support, the painting measures 66.5 cm in height and 47.3 cm in width. The piece is currently held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst, where it remains located.

No specific details regarding the original commission, early ownership history, or the chain of custody prior to its arrival at the museum are provided in the available records.

Context

Willem Key's 1551 Portrait of a Man was created during the Northern Renaissance, a period defined by the flourishing of portraiture in the Low Countries and the rise of oil painting techniques. The work's composition and psychological depth reflect broader scholarly discussions on Key's role in bridging early Netherlandish traditions with emerging Mannerist influences, positioning him within the artistic lineage of the region. Its inclusion in the Statens Museum for Kunst's collection underscores its significance in the study of 16th-century portraiture and the evolution of individual representation in art history.

Overview

Portrait of a Man is an oil painting created by Willem Key in 1551. It is a representation of a male figure, held at the Statens Museum for Kunst.