Portrait of a bearded man, 17th century Rembrandt school

Oil on oak panel (one plate) School of Rembrandt, 17th century.
Presented in a 17th-century blackened wood frame with guilloche and unhooked corners (a rare and beautiful model!).
Total dimensions with frame: 61 x 54 cm. Panel alone: 32 x 25 cm

In this half-body portrait of a bearded man, with his head turned slightly to the left, the painter uses a supple, rapid brushstroke in a dominant brown with lighter transparencies. The light comes from above, illuminating part of the back wall.

This is probably not a commissioned painting, as the portrait is executed with great sensitivity. Rather, the sitter is someone close to the painter.

In the United Provinces, Rembrandt's work influenced a large number of artists, starting with his pupils (around ten), who themselves influenced this artistic movement for several decades. Rembrandt encouraged his pupils to copy his works and profit from the sale of their paintings, thus remunerating himself in exchange for their instruction and learning.

Our research suggests that this may be a work by Govaert Flinck, a Dutch painter born in Kleve on January 25, 1615 and who died in Amsterdam on February 2, 1660.
Govert Flinck, sometimes considered a pupil of Rembrandt, adopted the style of Bartholomeus van der Helst in preference to that of his “master”. In reality, he was more of a cooperator with Rembrandt, as he was highly trained by the time he joined the group. He succeeded Rembrandt to the art dealer Hendrick van Uylenburgh. He painted for the House of Orange and the Prince of Nassau-Siegen. His first works signed “Flinck” date from 1636.

Very fine condition. Sold with certificate