Portrait of a Man
Artist
Jan Cossiers
(Flemish, 1600–1671)
Dateabout 1635
Mediumoil on panel
Dimensionspanel: 62.2 x 48.3 cm (24 1/2 x 19 in.)
ClassificationsPaintings
Credit LineGift of Mr. and Mrs. John Adam, Jr.
Object number1983.37
Label TextIn this portrait, the dramatic lighting, warm palette, and rich display of brushwork are all key factors in giving a sense of immediacy to the subject. As in the best of Baroque portraits, Cossier's bold brushwork does not preclude attention to detail: a few short, quick strokes, for example, capture not only the folds under the man's chin, but the stubble of beard on it as well. These and other carefully observed features like the blood-shot eyes, red nose, and slightly knitted brow give insight into the character of the smugly posed sitter.ProvenancePossibly in the Devonshire Collection, Chatsworth, as by Jacob Jordaens, before 1975; sold at Christie's, London, as Jordaens, cat. no. 74, October 31, 1975; Hoogsteder-Naumann, Ltd., New York, NY, 1983; collection of Mr. and Mrs. John Adam, Jr., 1983; gift to the present collection, 25% given 12/19/1983, additional 25% given 12/17/1991, 50% given 11/5/1997.On View
Not on view
