Portuguese School; formerly attributed to Master of 1456 – Man with a Glass of Wine Part 2 Louvre

The portrait presents a man seated before a dark, indistinct background that shifts in tone from deep brown to reddish hues. He is positioned centrally within the frame and gazes directly at the viewer with a solemn expression. The composition emphasizes his face and upper torso, creating an intimate connection between subject and observer.
He wears a voluminous black hat, its shape broad and slightly drooping, which dominates the upper portion of the image and casts shadows on his face. Beneath the hat, he is clad in a dark, fur-lined garment with a high collar, suggesting status or wealth. The fabric appears heavy and richly textured, contributing to an overall impression of formality and dignity.
In his left hand, he holds a glass filled with a dark liquid – presumably wine – while his right hand rests on a linen cloth spread across a table. A small portion of bread and a knife are also visible on the cloth, hinting at a moment of sustenance or perhaps a ritualistic act. The lighting is carefully controlled; it illuminates the man’s face and hands, drawing attention to these key elements while leaving the background in relative obscurity.
The artist has rendered the subjects features with meticulous detail. His skin appears pale, marked by subtle lines that suggest age and experience. The eyes are particularly striking – they convey a sense of introspection and perhaps even melancholy. There is an austerity to his expression, devoid of overt emotion but not entirely lacking in character.
Subtleties within the painting invite interpretation beyond a simple likeness. The glass of wine could symbolize celebration, indulgence, or even a reference to Christ’s blood during the Eucharist. The bread and knife might allude to hospitality or a more symbolic offering. The dark clothing and somber expression contribute to an atmosphere of seriousness and restraint, possibly reflecting the values of the period in which it was created. Ultimately, the portrait conveys a sense of quiet authority and invites contemplation on themes of identity, status, and mortality.