The artwork, entitled “Portrait of Rene Descartes,” was created by the artist Frans Hals around the year 1649. This portrait, rendered using oil on canvas, is a work from the Baroque art movement. The dimensions of this piece are 77.5 by 68.5 cm, and it belongs to the portrait genre. It is currently housed in the Louvre, Paris, France.
The artwork depicts a half-length portrait of Rene Descartes, the renowned philosopher and mathematician. The background is dark and nondescript, which effectively directs the viewer’s focus onto the subject. Descartes is portrayed with a composed and contemplative expression, characteristic of his intellectual prowess. His attire is reflective of the period’s fashion, featuring a dark cloak and a white collar, rendered with fine brushwork that captures the texture and folds of the fabric. His gaze is slightly to the side, suggesting a thoughtful demeanor, consistent with his philosophical nature. The meticulous attention to detail and the skilled use of light and shadow are emblematic of Hals’ mastery in portraiture and the Baroque artistic style.
