The artwork, titled “Man holding book” by Rogier van der Weyden, was created circa 1440 to circa 1449. It is a portrait rendered in oil on panel, belonging to the Northern Renaissance art movement. This significant piece is currently housed at the Courtauld Institute of Art in London, UK.
In this portrait, a solemn-looking man gazes into the distance, his expression pensive and introspective. He is adorned in a dark robe, the simplicity of which is contrasted by the subtle richness of the fabric and the meticulously rendered details. His hands, poised with delicate care, hold an open book, suggesting a persona of scholarly pursuit or contemplation. A ring on his finger adds a touch of modest yet evocative adornment. The composition exudes a remarkable clarity and precision, characteristic of Rogier van der Weyden’s mastery in capturing both the physical likeness and the profound psychological essence of his subjects.
