Portrait of an officer.

Ferdinand Bol (1616–80) was a Dutch painter, etcher and draftsman. Although his surviving work is rare, it displays Rembrandt's influence; like his master, Bol favored historical subjects, portraits, numerous self-portraits, and single figures in exotic finery. By the mid-17th century, he had eclipsed Rembrandt in his popularity, receiving more official commissions than any other artist in Amsterdam, no mean feat in what surely - second only to Rome - the world art capital at this time.

With some sixteen recorded works made between 1642-51, Bol's etching constituted a small but significant aspect of his oeuvre. Almost all of them are studies of people, powerfully depicting serious men (with the exception of three presenting women), mostly older–saints or philosophers–who often seem, like Hamlet or King Lear, to be pondering the meaning of human existence. Without having the same aura as those of Rembrandt, Bol's etchings are nonetheless extremely expressive, often spiritual, executed in a bold and free manner with judicious management of light and shadow.

This elegant portrait of a much younger than usual sitter, invariably described as an officer, complete with plumed hat, metal collar, leather gloves and immaculate, lengthy hairstyle, suggests a man of wealth, taste and sensitivity. The intent, even intense gaze has caused many authorities to identify it as a self-portrait, which seems credible as the portrait corresponds to Bol's age at the time (nearly 30). While there is definite resemblance to the Bol Self-portrait of c. 1647 (sold Zurich, 1984), the 'officer' is unquestionably handsomer: in the painting, the nose is decidedly more beaky. This impression is from the second of two states.

Sources:

CODART, 'Self portrait by Ferdinand Bol sought by curators...', https://www.codart.nl/art-works/self-portrait-ferdinand-bol-sought-curators-leonore-van-sloten-norbert-middelkoop/

Spaightwood Galleries, Inc., 'Old Master Prints: Ferdinand Bol...', http://www.spaightwoodgalleries.com/Pages/Bol.html

Wikipedia, 'Ferdinand Bol', https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ferdinand_Bol

Dr Mark Stocker   Curator, Historical International Art   September 2018