Portrait of a Man

The Cleveland Museum of Art catalogs Portrait of a Man as painting (Northeastern France or the Burgundian Netherlands, 15th century · c. 1480–1500).

WHY IT’S INTERESTING

The man pictured here didn't accidentally rip his coat, he is actually sporting highly fashionable slashed sleeves. Decorative openings in the sleeves of garments, revealing the rich fabric underneath, were all the rage in 15th-century society.

SERENDIPITYA little unexpected

FamiliarWeird

A CLOSER LOOK

The museum identifies this painting as oil on wood.

The museum's collection notes: Although the subject of this portrait wears rich clothing and a sword, nothing specifically associates him with aristocracy. Instead he may have been a wealthy member of the middle class. During the 1400s, portraiture became increasingly popular with prosperous merchants and tradesmen who imitated the portraits commissioned by the dukes of Burgundy and members of their court. The artist is equally mysterious and unidentified. The highly refined technique of oil painting suggests a familiarity with Netherlandish art, and the dark palette and clothing allude to Burgundian portraiture. However, the clothing and facial type relate more to French

FOLLOW THE EVIDENCE

The Cleveland Museum of ArtPortrait of a Man

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