“De Vos Van Steenwijk,” an artwork crafted by Hans Holbein the Younger circa 1541 in Germany, is an oil painting on panel, demonstrating characteristics of the Northern Renaissance art movement. This portrait, measuring 36.2 x 46.7 cm, encapsulates the genre of portraiture.
In the artwork, a bearded male figure, dressed in dark, elegant attire, is depicted against a muted blue background. The meticulous rendering of his features, from the delicate texture of his skin to the detailed folds of his clothing, exemplifies Holbein’s mastery in capturing lifelike precision. The date “1541” and the age “37” are inscribed on the background, suggesting the year the portrait was created and the age of the depicted individual. His solemn and contemplative expression, coupled with the subtle play of light and shadow, imbues the portrait with a profound sense of dignity and introspection.
