Portrait of a Manc. 1450 · Study 1916.811

Context from the museum

Prominent art historians still debate the identity of the artist and the original function of this painting. First attributed to the Neapolitan artist Colantonio (active 1440-1460) and also to the Flemish painter Berthélemy d'Eyck--known as the Master of the Aix Annunciation (active 1440-1470)--the painting is now more likely considered a product of the Provençal school. Undoubtedly it exemplifies the stylistic influences of the Netherlands, Provence, and Italy in the 1400s. The subject may be either a physician or an Old Testament prophet from an altarpiece.

Museum description reproduced from its CC0 open-access record. Read the original catalog entry.

Read the dimensions before the image

The selected unframed measurement for Portrait of a Man is 45.5 cm wide and 59.9 cm high, equivalent to approximately 17.9 × 23.6 inches. Dividing width by height gives a format ratio of 0.76:1. The rectangular bounding area is 0.27 square meters; it describes the measured footprint, not the amount of paint or the monetary value.

On an illustrative 300 cm wall, the recorded width occupies 15.2% of the span before adding a frame. A centered placement leaves approximately 127.3 cm on each side before adding a frame. These are calculations by Physical Art For Crypto using museum measurements. They are not the museum’s display recommendations.

Questions to bring to your own collection

With Portrait of a Man in view, identify one feature you can point to, then distinguish what the museum records from your personal response. Keep its medium, oil on wood, in your notes when comparing contemporary works.

• Which part of this vertical composition catches your eye first?
• Would a 45.5 cm width still suit the space after allowing for furniture and a frame?
• What surface detail would you need to see in person or in a close photograph?