The artwork titled “Portrait of an Unknown Man” was created by Frans Hals between 1660 and 1663. This oil on canvas painting, belonging to the Baroque art movement, measures 79 by 65.4 centimeters and is classified under the genres of portrait and tronie. Currently, it resides in the Fitzwilliam Museum at the University of Cambridge in Cambridge, UK.
The artwork presents a half-length depiction of an unidentified man adorned in a broad-brimmed hat, which casts a shadow over his head. The man faces the viewer with a relaxed demeanor, his expression tinged with a subtle smile. His loose, dark hair frames his face, and the textured application of paint skillfully conveys the sumptuous drapery of his clothing. Through dynamic, broad brushstrokes and a limited palette dominated by earthy tones, Hals masterfully captures the man’s presence and suggests depth and character, emblematic of the Baroque style’s emphasis on realism and individualism.