Petrus Scriverius (1576–1660) is a celebrated oil on wood portrait created by the Dutch Golden Age master, Frans Hals, in 1626. This intimate painting depicts the distinguished scholar, historian, and poet from Leiden, Petrus Scriverius, captured during a time when Hals was solidifying his reputation as a premier portraitist. The small wooden panel, typical of a personal commission meant for private display, highlights the intellectual status of the sitter through his sober, dark clothing and the intricate linen ruff that frames his face.
Hals utilized a restricted palette, emphasizing the texture and subtle variations in the black coat through his characteristic rapid, confident brushwork. Unlike the stiff formality often seen in earlier 17th-century portraits of men, the gaze of Scriverius is direct and engaging, conveying a profound sense of immediacy and character that would become the hallmark of Hals’s mature style. This piece often serves as a companion to the portrait of Scriverius’s wife, Anna van der Aar, though they are displayed separately in different collections.
As a historically significant work from the height of Dutch painting, this portrait of Scriverius resides within the permanent collection of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Because of its age and importance, the image is frequently reproduced and available in the public domain, allowing students and art lovers to easily access high-resolution images and fine art prints for educational and private enjoyment.
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