Portrait of a Man
Artist: Belgian 17th Century Artist (Belgian, not listed)
Original Dimensions: 53 5/8" x 40 1/4"
Location: National Gallery of Art, London
About Artwork: (1636) "An unidentified young man looks out at us with a direct gaze. Painted by an unknown artist, he is shown leaning against a stone archway covered with a swathe of white satin curtain. His expensive lace collar and cuffs are well displayed. His youth is emphasised by his sparse moustache and wisp of a beard, and the brim of an enormous hat encircles his long, pale face. He holds leather gloves – an expensive luxury – in one hand; with the other, he gestures as if inviting us in towards him. Beside the young man is a stone relief that shows one cupid, his arrow raised to strike a second, blindfolded cupid. The scene symbolises the triumph of ‘Divine Love’ over ‘Earthly Love’ and makes it likely that the portrait was painted to celebrate the sitter’s betrothal or marriage." - (National Gallery of Art, London)

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