The artwork titled “Portrait of a Young Man” is a creation of Jan van Eyck, completed in 1432. Rendered in oil on panel, it represents the Northern Renaissance art movement and measures 33.4 x 19 cm. This portrait, currently housed in the National Gallery in London, UK, exemplifies the detailed and realistic style characteristic of van Eyck’s oeuvre.
In the artwork, a young man is captured in three-quarter view, with his gaze directed slightly to his left. His face is rendered with meticulous detail, reflecting van Eyck’s skill in depicting human features. The young man dons a red garment complemented by a dark headdress, which adds a stark contrast to the dark, austere background. His left hand, partially shown, delicately holds a scroll, an element that might suggest literacy or scholarly pursuits. The lower part of the painting includes a stone parapet inscribed with the text “LEAL SOVVENIR,” which translates to “Loyal Remembrance,” underscoring themes of fidelity and memory. The subtle use of light and shadow enhances the subject’s three-dimensional appearance, a hallmark of van Eyck’s technique.
