The artwork in question is a portrait titled “Derek Berck” attributed to Hans Holbein the Younger, a prominent artist of the Northern Renaissance. Created in 1536 in Germany, this oil on canvas measures 53.3 by 42.5 centimeters. It exemplifies the genre of portraiture, which was a significant element of Holbein’s oeuvre.
The artwork portrays a male subject dressed in the attire of the period, with a black garment and a fur-lined overgarment that suggests a status of wealth or importance. He has a benevolent yet austere expression, looking directly at the viewer. His beard is neatly groomed, and his hair is covered by a black cap, indicating fashion of the time. The individual’s hands are clasped in front and he holds what appears to be a piece of paper, perhaps a letter or document, which might indicate his profession or social standing. The background is simple, featuring a green curtain to one side, contrasting with the predominantly dark tones of the subject’s clothing and allowing the figure to stand out. The presence of a pendant at his neck, likely made of a precious metal, further emphasizes the individual’s likely affluent status. The craftsmanship of Holbein is evident in the meticulous detail with which the textures of fabric, fur, and skin are rendered, characteristic of Northern Renaissance portraiture’s attention to realism and fine detail.
