Portrait Of A Young Man With A Turban - Ent By Adam De Coster

Circle of Adam de COSTER
(Mechelen 1586 – Antwerp 1643)
Portrait of a young man with a turban, dressed in oriental style
Oil on canvas
H. 43 cm; W. 33 cm

This portrait of a young man wearing a white turban and a rich red cloak decorated with gold embroidery is part of the Flemish “tronie” tradition, a popular pictorial genre in the 17th century that aimed to depict expressive faces or costumed figures, without the intention of a realistic portrait. The work is attributed to the circle of Adam de Coster, a Flemish painter known for his dramatic night scenes and his expressive use of chiaroscuro, influenced by Caravaggism. The sculptural light bathes the young man’s face, revealing a pensive expression, while the dark background accentuates the subject’s presence. The turban, an exotic accessory, was part of a widespread pictorial fashion of the time: that of fantasized orientalism, synonymous with luxury, alienation, and mystery. This type of representation, although Western, testifies to the fascination with Eastern cultures in 17th-century European courts. The work illustrates the skill of Flemish artists in combining naturalistic precision and dramatic effects in a sober but captivating composition. It also demonstrates the Baroque period's attraction to contrast, texture, and emotion.