Portrait of a Man 1535 - 1568

Willem Key made this portrait of a man using oil paint on canvas. The magic here lies in how Key used his materials, specifically the fluid, blendable qualities of oil paint, to render the textures of fabric and skin. Look at how the dark velvet absorbs light, creating a sense of depth and richness. This was achieved through layers of glazing, building up thin, translucent veils of pigment. The man’s clothing speaks volumes about the social context. Black dye was expensive, requiring specialized knowledge of mordants and dyeing techniques. Only the wealthy could afford such intensely dark and matte fabric, a sombre and imposing display of status. The crisp linen collar, too, would have required meticulous laundering. Key’s skill in rendering these textures elevates the painting beyond a simple likeness; it’s a study in the era’s material culture. It’s a reminder that even in painting, the hand and the material tell a story.