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Dutch, 'Portrait of a Man', 1640-5

About the work

This portrait was bequeathed to the National Gallery in 1837. Time hasn‘t been kind to it. Painted in oil on an oak panel, the background in particular seems to have suffered damage or been painted over at some point.

We don’t know who the sitter is or who painted the picture, but is thought perhaps to be a copy of a portrait by an Amsterdam artist of about 1640. The man’s costume and hairstyle – the lace falling collar, long curls, moustache and tuft of beard beneath his chin – were in fashion at about this time. His fleshy face and direct gaze also suggest he is a man of some standing in his community.

Key facts

Full title
Portrait of a Man
Artist
Dutch
Date made
1640-5
Medium and support
oil on wood
Dimensions
31.1 × 24.3 cm
Acquisition credit
Bequeathed by Lt.-Col. J.H. Ollney, 1837
Inventory number
NG145
Location
Not on display
Collection
Main Collection
Previous owners

About this record

If you know more about this painting or have spotted an error, please contact us. Please note that exhibition histories are listed from 2009 onwards. Bibliographies may not be complete; more comprehensive information is available in the National Gallery Library.

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You've viewed 6 of 9 works