Reference number
P01491
Author
Dyck, Anton van (Flemish),
Title
The Head of an Old Man
Chronology
1622-1632
Technique
Óleo
Support
Lienzo
Measures
47 cm x 36 cm
School
Flamenca
Theme
Figura Humana
On display
No
Procedence
Colección Real (Palacio Real Nuevo, Madrid, primera sala de la Furriera, 1747, nº 49; Palacio Real Nuevo, Madrid, antecámara de la serenísima infanta, 1772, nº 49; Palacio Real, Madrid, primera pieza de la obra nueva, 1814-1818, nº 49).

A bearded, grey-haired old man turns his head to the left over a black background.

This is similar to another head by the same artist (P1649) and is probably a sketch or model for a larger work, intended to study expressions and posture.

This work is from the artist's youth, as can be seen in the rough texture of the brushstrokes on the face, which link it to other portraits from his first period.

This work has sometimes been attributed to Rubens, to whom, curiously, it belonged until 1640, when it was acquired at the auction of his belongings by Felipe IV.

 
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