Portrait of a Man late 16th/early 17th century

Isaac Oliver’s “Portrait of a Man” is a small, intimate oil on vellum miniature dating to the late 16th or early 17th century. The piece, which hangs at the Art Institute of Chicago, depicts a man with a neatly trimmed beard and mustache, wearing a richly detailed collar over a black garment. The subject’s penetrating blue eyes meet the viewer directly, creating a sense of personal connection. The artist’s meticulous brushstrokes and detailed rendering of the subject’s features are characteristic of Oliver’s highly refined style. This miniature is a testament to the artist's skill in capturing the essence of his sitter with exquisite precision.