4x5 transparency scanned on Hasselblad Flextight X1 by Ed Pollard-2020.

Images(2)

Portrait of a Man

Dateca. 1615

MediumOil on panel

DimensionsOverall: 42 1/4 x 33 1/8 in. (107.3 x 84.1 cm)
Overall, Frame: 51 x 42 1/4 in. (129.5 x 107.3 cm)

ClassificationsEuropean art

Credit LineGift of Mr. Emile E. Wolf, a Friend of Norfolk

Object number54.9.2

On View

Not on view

DescriptionThis is an oil on wood portrait of a man. It is a three quarter length portrait; the gentleman stands at an angle to the picture plane of the canvas. He is looking off to his right, over the heads of the viewers. He is dressed in black in the costume of the 17th century, complete with wide white lace collar and cuffs. His right hand rests on his waist showing off his ornate belt. His left hand rests on a helmet of armor. He is distinctly pale but his cheeks are blushed and his forehead is blue.

Label TextPortrait of a Man and Portrait of a Woman, ca. 1615 Dutch Oil on wood More than mere likenesses, portraits of this era projected the character, faith, marital status, and class of their sitters. Period viewers would have recognized this pair as a newlywed couple. The woman rests one hand on the wedding gloves her husband gave her. The prayer book in the other hand confirms her religious faith and the devotion of an ideal wife. The husband’s helmet suggests his military prowess and symbolizes the active life appropriate for a family protector and breadwinner. The couple’s expensive-looking clothes proclaim their lofty social position as they begin their life together. Gifts of Mr. Emile E. Wolf, a Friend of Norfolk 54.9.2 and 55.1.1