Herman Doomer (ca. 1595–1650)

Rembrandt van Rijn

Created:
Movement:
1640
Baroque
key Notes:
Portraiture Mastery, Detailed Realism
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Dimensions:
29 5/8 x 21 3/4 in. (75.2 x 55.2 cm)
medium:
Oil on wood
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Herman Doomer" is a portrait painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1640. The subject, Herman Doomer, was a prominent Amsterdam silversmith. The painting is notable for its rich use of light and shadow, characteristic of Rembrandt's style. It captures Doomer in a contemplative pose, dressed in dark clothing with a white collar. The work exemplifies Rembrandt's ability to convey personality and emotion through portraiture. The painting is part of the collection at the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. The exact circumstances of the commission are unknown. The artwork reflects the social status and wealth of its subject during the Dutch Golden Age.

Description of the work:

"Herman Doomer" is a portrait painted by Rembrandt van Rijn in 1640, utilizing oil on wood. The composition features a three-quarter view of the subject, Herman Doomer, who is depicted with a serious expression. Doomer is dressed in dark, richly textured clothing, which contrasts with the lighter tones of his skin. The background is rendered in deep, muted colors, enhancing the focus on the figure. Rembrandt employs chiaroscuro to create depth and volume, highlighting the contours of Doomer's face and hands. The play of light and shadow adds a dramatic quality to the portrait, emphasizing the subject's features and the intricate details of his attire. The painting exemplifies Rembrandt's mastery of portraiture and his ability to convey the psychological depth of his subjects. The work is characterized by its naturalism and the subtle interplay of light, which draws the viewer's attention to Doomer's contemplative gaze.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Herman Doomer (ca. 1595–1650)