Portrait of a Young Man with a Sword

About the Art

This work likely dates from when the artist worked in the studio of Rembrandt van Rijn (1606–1669), the most influential Dutch artist of his era. Bol was one of Rembrandt's students and he shared his teacher's interest in complex textures and color and dramatic light and shade.

Once believed to be a self-portrait, this work recalls several of Rembrandt's self-portraits. The quiver of arrows, heavily embroidered velvet tunic and velvet scabbarded sword were likely props kept in Rembrandt's studio.

FEATURED IMAGE
Ferdinand Bol (Dutch, 1616–1680), Portrait of a Young Man with a Sword, about 1635–1640, oil on canvas, 81 x 51 1/2 inches (205.7 x 130.8 cm). Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Elton F. MacDonald, 1962.18