17th-century Dutch School, Portrait of a Gentleman, Antique Oil Painting

Name: 17th-century Dutch School, Portrait of a Gentleman, Antique Oil Painting
Brand: Antique
SKU: SA1151360
Availability: SoldOut

17th century

Sold by Brave Fine Art

Description

This characterful mid-17th-century bust-length Dutch portrait depicts a gentleman, perhaps a cleric, wearing a white collar and gold chain.

It’s fascinating that portraits, having survived for centuries, appear on the art market with little in the way of context. Invariably they pose more questions than they answer and one is left to ponder as to their significance. This gentleman, dressed according to the fashions of the 1660s, conveys both dignity and wisdom through both his physical appearance and the presence of a hefty gold chain.

The chain could relate to his position, an accolade or simply a symbolic clue as to his societal status. Indeed, in this respect, Rembrandt occasionally adopted gold chains to allude to the general notion of power.

We may never know the true identity of this rather experienced sitter but he retains his quiet presence, as he did when first portrayed.

Unsigned and held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 25” x 30½” / 64cm x 77cm

Year of creation: c. 1660

Provenance: Private collection, UK.

Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.

Our reference: BRV2095

Physical Dimensions

Height

77cm (30.31")

Width

64cm (25.20")

Depth

4cm (1.57")

Declaration

Brave Fine Art has dated this piece to the 17th Century.

Reference Numbers

Sellingantiques Reference

SA1151360

Description

This characterful mid-17th-century bust-length Dutch portrait depicts a gentleman, perhaps a cleric, wearing a white collar and gold chain.

“

It’s fascinating that portraits, having survived for centuries, appear on the art market with little in the way of context.

Brave Fine Art

Invariably they pose more questions than they answer and one is left to ponder as to their significance. This gentleman, dressed according to the fashions of the 1660s, conveys both dignity and wisdom through both his physical appearance and the presence of a hefty gold chain.

fig 1. 17th-Century Dutch School, Portrait Of A Gentleman, Antique Oil Painting — fig 1. 17th-century Dutch School, Portrait of a Gentleman, Antique Oil Painting

The chain could relate to his position, an accolade or simply a symbolic clue as to his societal status. Indeed, in this respect, Rembrandt occasionally adopted gold chains to allude to the general notion of power.

fig 2. 17th-Century Dutch School, Portrait Of A Gentleman, Antique Oil Painting — fig 2. 17th-century Dutch School, Portrait of a Gentleman, Antique Oil Painting

We may never know the true identity of this rather experienced sitter but he retains his quiet presence, as he did when first portrayed.

Unsigned and held in a later frame.

Medium: Oil on canvas

Overall size: 25” x 30½” / 64cm x 77cm

fig 3. 17th-Century Dutch School, Portrait Of A Gentleman, Antique Oil Painting — fig 3. 17th-century Dutch School, Portrait of a Gentleman, Antique Oil Painting

Year of creation: c. 1660

Provenance: Private collection, UK.

Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Later stretcher. Fine craquelure throughout. The paint layer is stable. Frame in excellent condition.

Our reference: BRV2095