Herman Doomer (ca. 1595–1650) by Rembrandt

Herman Doomer (ca. 1595–1650)

Rembrandt · 1640

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“This striking portrait of Herman Doomer, an Amsterdam cabinetmaker, draws you in with its intense gaze and the masterful use of light to reveal character and texture.”

ABOUT THIS WORK

Herman Doomer, a successful Amsterdam cabinetmaker, looks out at us with a calm, steady gaze. His face is illuminated from the left, highlighting the texture of his skin and the subtle worry lines around his eyes. The rich, dark tones of his clothing and the background emphasize the luminosity of his face and hands, drawing our attention to his thoughtful expression. This portrait, painted in 1640, captures a moment of quiet dignity, reflecting the sitter's status and character. The meticulous detail in his lace collar and cuffs contrasts with the broader brushstrokes elsewhere, a testament to the artist's ability to render both precision and atmosphere. It is one of a pair, with a companion portrait of Doomer’s wife, Baertje Martens.

DETAILS
Artist
Rembrandt
Date
1640
Medium
Oil on wood
Location
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
Dimensions
29 5/8 x 21 3/4 in. (75.2 x 55.2 cm)
Collection
European Paintings
Credit line
H. O. Havemeyer Collection, Bequest of Mrs. H. O. Havemeyer, 1929
ART MOVEMENTS
LOOK CLOSER

What to Notice

Five details hide in plain sight. Here’s where to look.

Herman Doomer (ca. 1595–1650)
01

The delicate lace of Doomer's collar and cuffs, catching the light.

02

The subtle sheen on his dark coat, indicating fine fabric.

03

The way his left hand gently rests, suggesting a moment of pause.

04

The warm glow on the right side of his face, emerging from shadow.

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THE ARTIST

Rembrandt

1606–1669 · Dutch Republic

Rembrandt painted ~40 self-portraits across his life, creating history's most intimate visual autobiography.

Read Rembrandt’s full story
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