Portrait of a Young Man
early 18th–mid 18th century
Medium
Black and red chalk; framing line in black chalk or graphite
Dimensions
sheet: 4 9/16 x 4 1/8 in. (11.6 x 10.4 cm)
Classification
Drawings
Department
Drawings and Prints
Museum
Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, NY
Credit
Frits and Rita Markus Fund, 2012
Accession Number
2012.40
Rights
Public Domain
Tags
Art Historical Context
Step into the intimate world of 18th-century Dutch portrait with *Portrait of a Young Man by Cornelis Troost a master draughtsman active in Amsterdam during the early to mid-1700s. Troost, celebrated for his lively character studies and theatrical flair, captures the subject's thoughtful gaze in this petite sheet measuring just 4 9/16 x 4 1/8 inches. Created amid the Rococo era's emphasis on elegance and expression, this drawing exemplifies Troost's skill in rendering human emotion with subtle nuance. Rendered in black and red chalk—a favored medium for its versatility in tonal modeling and vibrant highlights—the artwork showcases Troost's economical yet evocative technique. The framing line in black chalk or graphite adds a refined finish, suggesting it may have been a preparatory study or standalone gem for collectors. Such small-scale drawings were prized in the Dutch Golden Age's twilight, bridging painting and printmaking traditions. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Drawings and Prints department, acquired through the Frits and Rita Markus Fund in 2012, this piece invites us to ponder the young man's story—a fleeting moment preserved in chalk, reflecting the era's fascination with individuality and poise.
About the Artist
Cornelis Troost · 1696–1750
Comment on works: Portraits; Genre