FOLLOWER OF JAN LIEVENS (LEIDEN 1607-1674 AMSTERDAM)
Portrait of a man in profile
oil on panel
53 x 40 cm

The present picture is strongly influenced by the studio of Rembrandt van Rijn (1606-1669) of which included Gerrit Dou, Govert Flinck, Ferdinand Bol, and Philips Koninck, amongst others, however the style and overall type of the painting can be compared more closely on stylistic and compositional grounds to the influence of the subject by the early work of Jan Lievens, and Jacques des Rousseaux (Tourcoing c. 1600-1638 Leiden) the style and techniques, particularly the use of chiaroscuo, of which can be seen in the present work, the present panel rendered with thin and almost transparent passages, which displays a departure in technique from Rembrandt's use of thick impasto to create texture and depth.
The light source in the painting is positioned to the right of the figure casting a strong light on the left side of his face and body while leaving the right side in shadow. This contrast between light and dark creates a sense of volume to the figure and emphasises the sitters features and expression.