Male Portrait

Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt

Basic information

ID: Ж-3472
Author: Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt
Name: Male Portrait
Date of creation: 17th c.
Country: Holland
Technique: oil painting
Material: wood oil
Dimensions (height x width, cm): 70 x 59.5

Additionally

Type: painting
Genre: portraiture
Plot: Portrait
Provenance: State Hermitage Museum
Exposition: Potocki Palace

Information about author

Author: Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt
Author in the original: Michiel Janszoon van Mierevelt
Artist's lifetime: 1567–1641
Country: Holland
Biography: Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt was among the most successful and influential Dutch portrait painters of the early 17th century. He was born in Delft in 1567. The artist began his education in his hometown, but later he moved to Utrecht, where he continued his studies in Antoine van Bloklandt's workshop. According to biographer Karel van Mander, Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt was engaged in historical painting at the beginning of his studies. After returning to Delft, the master took up portrait painting, which he succeeded. Living in The Hague from 1625 to 1634, the artist joined the Guild of St. Luke. The portraits of the master were so popular that King Charles I of England invited him to work at his court in London. Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt was a productive painter, as evidenced by the 86 unfinished portraits in his posthumous inventory. The artist also ran a successful workshop, where hundreds of portraits were executed under his supervision.

Object description

The work is a striking example of Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt's portrait painting. The portrayed man is depicted in three-quarters against a dark background. This compositional scheme was common in portrait painting. The master repeatedly used it in his works. Because of the contrast with the dark background, the man's face is perceived as illuminated. A white lace collar also enhanced that effect. Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt often used this visual effect to emphasise the faces of the people he portrayed.

Legal regulation

Borys Voznytskyi Lviv National Art Gallery

Male Portrait

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