Portrait of a Man
Jan van Assen
1666
Medium
copper (metal)
Dimensions
18.1; 16.1; 12.5; 2.5; 10.5
About this artwork
height 12.5 cm x width 10.5 cm
Art Historical Context
**Portrait of a Man** Jan van Assen, in 1666, is a delicate miniature portrait measuring just 12.5 cm high by 10.5 cm wide, housed in the Rijmuseum. Painted on copper—a rare and intriguing choice for the era—this small-scale work exemplifies the precision possible with metal supports. Copper provided a smooth, durable surface ideal for fine brushwork and luminous effects, often favored by Dutch artists during the Golden Age for intimate, jewel-like portraits. Dated to the height of the Dutch Golden Age, this piece reflects a booming market for personal likenesses among the prosperous merchant...