Portrait of a Young Man Holding a Carnation
Adrien Ysenbrandt, Portrait of a Young Man Holding a Carnation, 1520/1530, oil on panel, Gift of the Honorable George Rossman in memory of his wife, Loreta Showers Rossman, public domain, 65.18
This work is not currently on view.
- Title
Portrait of a Young Man Holding a Carnation
- Artist
- Date
1520/1530
- Period
Late Renaissance (mid-late 16th century)
- Medium
oil on panel
- Dimensions (H x W x D)
18 7/8 in x 12 1/8 in
- Collection Area
European Art
- Category
Paintings
- Object Type
painting
- Culture
Flemish
- Credit Line
Gift of the Honorable George Rossman in memory of his wife, Loreta Showers Rossman
- Accession Number
65.18
- Copyright
public domain
- Terms
In his time, Adrien Ysenbrant was the most successful painter in Bruges. His subject matter varied, from Madonnas in serene landscapes to portraits of well-to-do citizens and their wives.
This portrait of a well-dressed young man was most likely painted for a prospective bride. The sitter's ermine collar, elegant gloves, and ring suggest affluence and social status. In his right hand he holds a carnation, a common symbol of the period for passion and betrothals. Ysenbrant's delicate technique and attention to fine detail are evident in the tiny individual strokes for each of the flower's petals and the careful, lifelike modeling of the sitter's face and hands.
