Jan Gossaert – Portrait of a Benedictine Monk (Portrait of a 40-Year-Old Monk) Part 4 Louvre

The composition presents a half-length portrait of a man in monastic attire. He is positioned centrally against a warm, mottled brown background that lacks any discernible spatial depth. The figures head is shaved, typical for Benedictine monks, and his face occupies the majority of the frame, drawing immediate attention to his expression.
The artist has rendered the skin with meticulous detail, capturing subtle variations in tone and texture. Fine lines around the eyes and mouth suggest a certain age and experience, while the overall complexion appears somewhat pale, perhaps indicative of a life spent largely indoors. The man’s gaze is directed forward, conveying an impression of introspection or quiet contemplation. His lips are pressed together, contributing to this sense of solemnity.
His hands are clasped in front of him, positioned at chest level. This gesture can be interpreted as a sign of humility, prayer, or perhaps even restraint. The dark fabric of his monastic habit dominates the lower portion of the image, its folds and drapery skillfully rendered to create a sense of volume and weight.
Above the figure’s head, an inscription is visible, stating ETATIS, 40, 13, 20. This indicates that the man was forty years old at the time the portrait was created, with additional numerical details likely referencing dates or significant events in his life. A smaller inscription appears near the lower right corner, bearing a signature and the word “PING,” an abbreviation for pinxit, meaning he painted in Latin.
The overall effect is one of restrained dignity and quiet piety. The absence of any background elements focuses entirely on the individual’s character and presence. While seemingly straightforward, the portrait invites reflection on themes of faith, age, and the contemplative life within a religious order. The artists attention to detail in rendering both physical features and the texture of the fabric suggests an intention to create a lasting record of this man’s identity and status.