Portrait of a Man 1628 - 1670

"Portrait of a Man" is an oil painting by Dutch artist Bartholomeus van der Helst, dating from 1628-1670 and housed at the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst. The painting depicts a man, likely a wealthy merchant, dressed in dark clothing against a background of deep green velvet curtains. His gaze is direct and his expression serious, highlighting the realistic style of 17th-century Dutch portraiture. The details of the subject's attire, including the intricate lace of his collar and the white cuffs of his shirt, emphasize the social standing of the sitter. This painting is a prime example of van der Helst's skill as a portrait artist and exemplifies the artistic trends of the Dutch Golden Age.