Portrait of Gerard de Lairesse

Rembrandt van Rijn

Created:
Movement:
1669
Baroque
key Notes:
Expressive Realism, Dramatic Lighting
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Dimensions:
44 3/8 x 34 1/2 in. (112.7 x 87.6 cm)
medium:
Oil on canvas
Difficulty:
Easy
New game
story of the work:

"Portrait of Gerard de Lairesse" is a painting by Rembrandt van Rijn, created between 1665 and 1667. The work depicts Gerard de Lairesse, a Dutch painter and art theorist, who was a contemporary of Rembrandt. The painting is notable for its rich use of color and light, characteristic of Rembrandt's later style. De Lairesse is portrayed in a three-quarter pose, dressed in elegant attire, which reflects his status in the art community. The background is dark, emphasizing the figure and enhancing the dramatic effect. This portrait is part of a series of works in which Rembrandt explored the theme of portraiture, focusing on the individuality of his subjects. The exact circumstances of the commission and the relationship between Rembrandt and de Lairesse are not well-documented. The painting is currently housed in the collection of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C.

Description of the work:

"Portrait of Gerard de Lairesse" by Rembrandt, created between 1665 and 1667, is an oil on canvas work that depicts the Dutch painter and art theorist Gerard de Lairesse. The composition features de Lairesse in a three-quarter pose, dressed in a dark, richly textured garment that contrasts with the lighter background. His face is illuminated by a soft, warm light, highlighting his thoughtful expression and the details of his features. The use of chiaroscuro is prominent, creating depth and emphasizing the contours of his face. The background is rendered in muted tones, allowing the figure to stand out as the focal point of the painting. The brushwork is characteristic of Rembrandt's style, with visible, expressive strokes that convey both texture and emotion. The overall composition reflects a sense of dignity and introspection, typical of Rembrandt's portraiture during this period.

Artwork Photograph Source:
Metropolitan Museum of Art

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Portrait of Gerard de Lairesse