Young Man Holding a Book
The Met
Artist: Master of the View of Saint Gudula(Netherlandish, active ca. 1485)
Date: ca. 1480
Department: European Paintings
Classification: Paintings
Medium: Oil on wood
Dimensions: Overall, with arched top, 8 1/4 x 5 1/8 in. (21 x 13 cm); painted surface 8 1/8 x 5 in. (20.6 x 12.6 cm)
Credit Line: Bequest of Mary Stillman Harkness, 1950
Visual Descriptions
AI GeneratedVisual Summary
Brief Description
A man in a dark cap and robe holds an open book, a church interior and city behind him
Detailed Description
A man is depicted in a half-length view, positioned slightly to the right of center, within an arched frame. He faces left, his gaze directed slightly left and upward. He has light skin, a prominent nose, and short dark hair visible beneath a dark brown, textured cap adorned with a small gold medallion on the right side. He wears a dark, wide-collared robe with a white, possibly fur, trim along the edges, revealing a dark green tunic underneath with dark lacing down the front. His hands, with light skin, hold an open book with a reddish-brown cover. The pages are white with black script, appearing to be musical notation or text. Behind the man, the background is divided into two main sections. To the left, a detailed Gothic church interior is visible, featuring tall, ornate arches, intricate stone carvings, and what appears to be a stained-glass window. Within this interior, small figures are depicted; one figure in a green and white robe stands near an altar-like structure, while another figure in a brown tunic pulls a rope. To the right, beyond a dark column, a Gothic cityscape or building exterior is shown under a light blue sky. This building features multiple windows and stepped gables. A small, round green tree stands in the middle ground on the right. The overall color palette is dominated by dark browns, greens, and greys, contrasted with the white trim and light skin tones.
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