Portrait of a Young Man 1716 - 1750

Cornelis Troost made this "Portrait of a Young Man" using chalk and graphite on paper. Troost, born in the Netherlands, has chosen the medium of drawing to capture the likeness of a young man who is more than likely wealthy, given his attire. But why drawing? The paper is thin, and the lines delicate. The artist used the texture of the paper to achieve the delicate gradations of the face and the texture of the hair. Look closely, and you will notice the soft, almost blurred lines of the drawing; the effect of applying chalk to paper. A skill the artist learned through years of practice. The softness of the drawing adds to the youthfulness of the man. The choice of media emphasizes the importance of handcraft and skill in the creation of this portrait. It transcends the mere representation of wealth, revealing the relationship between the artist, the sitter, and the cultural values of the time. It reminds us that even in the age of mass production, the human touch remains invaluable.