Carl Hårleman (1700-1753), friherre * Martin van Meytens II (1695-1770)

The portrait presents a man in a three-quarter pose, facing directly toward the viewer. He is positioned against a dark, indistinct background that suggests an architectural setting – a stone wall with what appears to be a distant tower or structure visible through it. The lighting is dramatic, highlighting his face and upper torso while leaving much of the background in shadow.
The man’s expression is serious, almost contemplative; his gaze is direct and unwavering. He wears a dark, loose-fitting shirt or tunic, partially covered by a vibrant red cloak with elaborate gold embroidery along its edges. The cloak drapes casually over his shoulder, adding a sense of relaxed authority to the composition. In his left hand, he holds a folded document or sheet of paper, positioned close to his body – a gesture that could signify responsibility, knowledge, or perhaps a specific task or commission. His right arm is bent at the elbow, with his hand resting on what appears to be a ledge or architectural element integrated into the background setting.
The artist has rendered the man’s hair in a style characteristic of the early 18th century – long, powdered, and elaborately arranged. The meticulous attention paid to rendering the texture of the hair contrasts with the more generalized treatment of the background, drawing focus squarely on the subjects personage.
The color palette is dominated by dark tones – blacks, browns, and grays – punctuated by the striking red of the cloak. This limited range contributes to a sense of formality and gravitas. The overall effect suggests a man of some standing – likely someone involved in matters of importance, given the document he holds and the implied connection to architecture or governance. There is an air of quiet confidence about him; not overtly flamboyant, but possessing a certain understated power conveyed through his posture and expression.