An artwork on Galleree from The Metropolitan Museum of Art.
About the artwork
Portrait of a CarthusianPetrus Christus
Netherlandish, Baarle-Hertog (Baerle-Duc), active by 1444–died 1475/76 Bruges
1446
Overall 11 1/2 x 8 1/2 in. (29.2 x 21.6 cm); painted surface 11 1/2 x 7 3/8 in. (29.2 x 18.7 cm)
Painting
Oil on wood
European Paintings
The Jules Bache Collection, 1949
In Petrus Christus's "Portrait of a Carthusian," we encounter a solemn figure, quietly deep in thought. Dressed in a simple white hooded robe, the Carthusian monk embodies the values of humility and devotion central to his order.
The arresting gaze of the monk draws us in, his piercing eyes reflecting a profound inner life. The soft, warm light accentuates the contours of his face, highlighting the texture of his beard and the serene expression that almost invites contemplation. The subtle play of shadow and light creates a sense of depth, enveloping him in an atmosphere of quiet reflection.
The rich, muted colors of the background contrast beautifully with his lighter robe, further emphasizing his solitary presence. This choice of color not only anchors the figure in space but also infuses the portrait with a solemnity that invites the viewer to ponder the spiritual path of the Carthusian monks, who dedicated their lives to prayer and contemplation.
Christus’s masterful brushwork captures the essence of the individual, making the viewer feel a connection to this silent yet powerful moment. Through this artwork, we are reminded of the beauty found in stillness and the introspective journeys that define our humanity.
About the artist
The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met) presents over 5,000 years of art from around the world for everyone to experience and enjoy. The Museum lives in two iconic sites in New York City—The Met Fifth Avenue and The Met Cloisters. Millions of people also take part in The Met experience online.Since its founding in 1870, The Met has always aspired to be more than a treasury of rare and beautiful objects. Every day, art comes alive in the Museum's galleries and through its exhibitions and events, revealing new ideas and unexpected connections across time and across cultures.The artworks shared on this platform are sourced from The Met's Open Access dataset under the CC0 license. No endorsement is implied.Address: 1000 Fifth Avenue New York, NY, USA 10028
The best place to view The Metropolitan Museum of Art‘s artwork is on Galleree. Hear the story behind this work, interact with the image, discuss with people, curate your own playlists, and discover so much more from great artists and institutions alike.