Contains disturbing content
Old World Portraits
Portrait of a Man
Unknown Artist
A striking memento mori portrait from the 17th-century Italian school, featuring dramatic chiaroscuro lighting and symbolic imagery.
An Artist from Antiquity
Johannes van Swinderen
1630 · Oil Paint, Canvas
A striking 17th-century portrait of a painter in exotic attire, featuring classical vanitas symbolism.
$129
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From $129
6 frame sizes
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Made to order in ~2 business days · Free U.S. standard shipping (typically 5–8 business days after dispatch)
Where it works
A substantial, grounding work with softened warm notes — brings a composed sense of weight.
- Often works in
- Library · Study · Office
- Placement
- Works well in taller wall spaces with room around it
- Walls
- Reads strongest on light or mid-tone walls
- Color notes
- Charcoal black, Rich brown
About the piece
Painted around 1630 by Johannes van Swinderen, this Dutch Golden Age portrait depicts an artist from classical antiquity. Clad in a voluminous turban and draped in heavy robes, the figure holds the tools of his trade while resting his hand upon a skull—a memento mori reflecting on the transience of life and the endurance of art.
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