Portrait of a Man by David Baudringien

David Baudringien · 1627-01-01

This intriguing *Portrait of a Man* by David Baudringien, painted in 1627, holds a fascinating auction story. While it sold for $62,500, the buyer only paid $7,500 due to it being part of a larger, undisclosed sale. This transaction only became public knowledge after the painting's acquisition by The Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Baudringien’s portrait captures the dignified presence of an unidentified man. Notice the intricate details of his starched white collar with its delicate lace trim, a clear indicator of his wealth and social standing in the 17th century. The artist's skill in rendering textures and expressions brings the sitter to life, particularly in his alert, intelligent eyes.

David Baudringien (1581-1650) was a painter from Tournai, and this work is a notable example of 17th-century portraiture. The painting's focused composition and a restrained palette draw all attention to the subject.

What details do you find most striking in this portrait?

Details

Look at the elaborate, starched white collar.

The delicate lace shows the sitter's wealth.

The sale became public after the museum acquired it.

Transcript

This quiet 17th-century portrait sold for 62,500 dollars. But the buyer only paid $7,500 for it. It was part of a larger, undisclosed sale. Look at the elaborate, starched white collar. The delicate lace shows the sitter's wealth. His alert eyes suggest intelligence and self-possession. The sale became public after the museum acquired it.