Portrait of a Bearded Man in Black

Created around 1575 and attributed to Corneille de Lyon, the painting embodies the intimate portrait tradition favored by the Netherlandish artist’s patrons at the French court. Such works were prized for their directness and clarity, capturing individual character with quiet dignity while adhering to the understated elegance typical of Lyon’s portraiture in the later Renaissance.

Portrait of a Bearded Man in Black presents a sober half-length likeness of a gentleman dressed in dark attire, his features sharply modeled against a plain background. The restrained palette and subtle highlights emphasize the sitter’s thoughtful expression, while the precision of detail in his beard, ruff, and garments reflects the careful naturalism associated with Corneille de Lyon’s circle.