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This bold portrait is of an unknown sitter. The fur collar, the jewel on the cap and the heavy gold chains indicate that he was a man of some wealth. The two badges on the chain can be identified and suggest that he may have been a Swabian and was probably of noble birth.

At the bottom of the portrait the top of his puffed white sleeve is just visible. It is probable that the picture has been cut down, and originally showed more of the arm.

Baldung is thought to have worked in Albrecht Dürer's workshop; his portraits tend to be less psychologically penetrating than Dürer's. In this work visual display is emphasised. The sweeping lines of hair and curling beard are set off by the flat expanse of face and shirt. The whole is electrified by the bold background colour. The badge showing the Virgin and Child is that of the Order of Our Lady of the Swan. This confraternity, founded by the Elector Frederick II of Brandenburg, admitted only those of noble birth.

The other badge belongs to the Fish and Falcon jousting company of Swabia, a knightly organisation.

Details

  • Title: Portrait of a Man
  • Creator: Hans Baldung Grien
  • Date Created: 1514
  • Physical Dimensions: 59.3 x 48.9 cm
  • Type: Painting
  • Medium: Oil on lime
  • School: German
  • More Info: Explore the National Gallery’s paintings online
  • Inventory number: NG245
  • Artist Dates: 1484/5 - 1545
  • Artist Biography: Hans Baldung, who was called Grien, was one of the leading German painters of the early 16th century. He is known for his portraits and secular cabinet pictures as well as for his altarpieces. He was probably trained by Dürer, and was also an accomplished draughtsman and printmaker. In his treatment of landscape there is an affinity with Altdorfer and the Danube School. Hans Baldung was born near Strasbourg, where he later settled. He probably trained with Dürer in Nuremberg, before returning to Strasbourg. He then worked at the Baden court and at Freiburg (1512-17), and settled in Strasbourg soon after. His drawings and prints, like his paintings, show a heightened expressiveness in the tradition of Grünewald, who was active around Strasbourg.
  • Acquisition Credit: Bought, 1854

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