Who painted Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)?

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) was painted by Willem Key in 1545.

Where can I see Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)?

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) is held by Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

What movement is Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)?

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) is associated with Mannerism.

Can I buy a print of Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)?

Museum-quality prints of Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.

Artwork

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?)

Willem Key , 1545

Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) is an oil painting by the Mannerist artist Willem Key. It dates from 1545 and is held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin.

About this work

Technique & Style

Stylistically, the piece belongs to the portrait genre and captures the main subject with the directness characteristic of mid-16th-century Flemish portraiture.

Created in 1545, the Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) by Willem Key is an oil painting executed on a panel support. The work measures 44.5 cm in height and 34.5 cm in width, presenting a formal portrait of a man who is widely identified as the artist himself. Stylistically, the piece belongs to the portrait genre and captures the main subject with the directness characteristic of mid-16th-century Flemish portraiture.

The painting is currently held in the collection of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin, having previously been associated with Blenheim Palace.

History & Provenance

Created in 1545, this oil painting by Willem Key is widely considered a self-portrait depicting the artist himself. The work measures 44.5 cm in height and 34.5 cm in width. Historically, the painting was part of the collection owned by George Spencer-Churchill, the 8th Duke of Marlborough, and was located at Blenheim Palace. It currently resides in the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin.

The work is held in the Gemäldegalerie Berlin. Its inventory number is not explicitly stated in the sources. It was owned by George Spencer-Churchill, 8th Duke of Marlborough, and has been displayed at Blenheim Palace. The painting has been part of the Gemäldegalerie Berlin collection since its acquisition.

Context

Willem Key's 1545 oil painting Portrait of a Man (self-portrait?) exemplifies Northern Renaissance portraiture through its psychological depth and meticulous detail. The work's attribution as a self-portrait remains debated among scholars, reflecting evolving approaches to artist identity in 16th-century Europe. Its inclusion in major collections, such as Gemäldegalerie Berlin, underscores its significance within the broader trajectory of Dutch and Flemish portraiture.

Overview

Created in 1545, this oil painting is attributed to the Dutch artist Willem Key and is part of the collection of the Gemäldegalerie in Berlin. The work presents a single male figure rendered in a restrained palette, set against a dark, uniform background that emphasizes the sitter’s features and attire.

Subject & Meaning

The portrait portrays a man in somber black clothing, complete with a black hat and a jacket trimmed with a white ruffled collar. His gaze looks to the left, his expression serious, and his right hand is raised, suggesting a gesture of address or affirmation. A ring on his finger hints at status or marital ties, though the identity remains uncertain.