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Portrait of a young man by Nicolaes Maes

Nicolaes Maes · 1670-01-01

This striking "Portrait of a Young Man" by Nicolaes Maes, painted in 1670, is a testament to the artist's skill after training under Rembrandt. It captures a moment of quiet contemplation in the Dutch Golden Age, and is now held in the collection of the Rijksmuseum.

Notice the intricate lace cravat, a clear indicator of the sitter's social standing. Maes's mastery of chiaroscuro is evident in the subtle play of light and shadow on the young man's face, making his features emerge from the dark background.

Maes, who started his career in Dordrecht, later became the leading portrait painter in Amsterdam. This work showcases his transition into portraiture, a genre in which he would excel, defining the look of his era's elite.

What do you imagine this young man was thinking about as he sat for his portrait?

Details

The painter, Nicolaes Maes, trained with Rembrandt.
The painter, Nicolaes Maes, trained with Rembrandt.
His delicate lace cravat shows his social standing.
His delicate lace cravat shows his social standing.
The soft, flowing curls and warm color add to the sitter's youthful and perhaps gentle appearance.
The soft, flowing curls and warm color add to the sitter's youthful and perhaps gentle appearance.
Transcript

This young man was painted in 1670, in Holland. The painter, Nicolaes Maes, trained with Rembrandt. His delicate lace cravat shows his social standing. Maes used subtle light and shadow on his cheek. It brings his youthful face forward from the darkness. He became Amsterdam's leading portrait painter later on.