Portrait of a Man
Artist: Joos van Cleve (South Netherlandish, died 1540/1541)
Date: about 1520-1530
Dimensions:
16 1/4 x 13 1/4 in. (41.2 x 33.6 cm)
Medium: oil on wood panel
Classification: Paintings
Credit Line: Gift of Edward Drummond Libbey
Object number: 1926.59
Label Text:Portraits of couples were often commissioned on the occasion of a betrothal or wedding. In what may be a reference to an impending marriage, the woman holds up a ring. Her left hand holds a rosary, indicating her piety. The rolled piece of paper and coins held by the man may refer to his profession. As was traditional for paired portraits, the woman is on the man’s left. Though dressed in understated dark colors, the fur trim and fine materials speak of the couple’s wealth and social status, probably as members of the lesser nobility or professional community. The dark clothing and blank backgrounds also serve to set off the faces and hands, drawing attention to them.
On view
In Collection(s)