Portrait of a Gentleman, England C.1550; Oil on Panel

The author of this striking ‘English Renaissance’ portrait was a painter of considerable talent. Painted during the 16th Century, the portrait is contains impeccable detail and the artist reproduces the sitter’s face with naturalistic precision, conveying the texture of the beard and soft, wisping curls where it meets the collar below his ear. He is seen wearing a slashed doublet and high collar cloak. The black silk, considerably difficult to dye, was one of the most expensive fabrics available at the time.

Signatures or inscriptions that identify the artist are very rare on British paintings of this period. Here, the artist inscribed the portrait with the sitter's coat-of-arms and the first and last quarters (argent three cinquefoils gules) and the goat crest pertain to the Southwell family. Inscribed 'SVM/ X' (lower left).

The portrait is from the middle of the 16th century, a tumultuous period in English politics, and survives after nearly 450 years. The continuing popularity of the Tudors and Stuarts owes much to the portraits that survive from their era. The still life at the bottom of the portrait conveys a message about the impermanence and transience of life, which was a common theme in portraits of this period.

Provenance: Private UK collection

Measurements: Height 96cm, Width 71cm framed (Height 37.75”, Width 28” framed)

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