Portrait of a Gentleman Dated 1610; Follower Gortzius Geldorp (1553–1618)

By the identifying inscription containing the sitter’s initials (AB), we know that the sitter was 60 years of age in 1610 when the portrait was painted. On the reverse of the panel there contains extensive text however this is indistinct.

A well executed portrait particularly for the age, the subject has been portrayed in a black coat and white ruff and the Bible or prayer book he holds implies a pious character. The sitter who was born before Queen Elizabeth I ascended to the throne lived in a tumolous period in European affairs. The year that this portrait was painted was the very same year that the Catholic League was created. The Catholic Leage was a union of the Catholic ecclesiastical and secular feudal lords of Germany formed in order to combat the Protestant Union and it became one of the principal forces of Catholic reaction throughout all of Western Europe.

Gortzius Geldorp (1553–1618) was a Flemish Renaissance artist who was active in Germany where he distinguished himself through his portrait paintings working for the aristocracy and other prominent patrons. It is believed that he first learned to paint from Frans Francken I and later from Frans Pourbus the Elder who were both trained under the leading Renaissance painter, Frans Floris. Geldorp became court painter to the Duke of Terra Nova, Carlo d'Aragona Tagliavia. Two of his sons were also painters - Georg Geldorp (c.1590-1665) was mainly active in England and carried out a number of portraits in the Anglo Nethlandish style notably William Cecil, 2nd Earl of Salisbury and his wife in 1626 and Sir Arthur Ingram c.1638. Georg assisted with the reconstitution of the art collection and possessions of the English Royal family and was rewarded with the post of picture mender and cleaner to the King upon the Restoration.

Measurements: Height 80cm, Width 68cm framed (Height 31.5”, Width 26.5” framed)

Much more info about this item at: www.titanfineart.com

In a market saturated with available paintings, Titan Fine Art offers a distinct advantage: we sift through thousands of works to provide a specially curated selection. Each piece is meticulously chosen based on technical merit, provenance, and decorative appeal, ensuring our clients view only the finest examples of British and European art.

With over 20 years of expertise and 1,000+ works placed with collectors and institutions, we are one of the most prolific specialists in 17th and 18th-century portraiture. We combine a scholarly approach with museum-level rigor to replace the uncertainty of the open market with absolute confidence.

Why Buy From Titan Fine Art?

• Expertly Curated Selection

We act as your expert eye, selecting only high-quality works that offer genuine historical and artistic value.

• Museum-Level Research

Each portrait is supported by extensive academic research, often exceeding 40 hours, to establish attribution, sitter identity, and historical context.

• Professional Conservation

All paintings are carefully cleaned and stabilised by professional conservators, and are presented ready to hang.

• Transparent Pricing

No buyer’s premium or hidden fees—unlike auction houses, where additional costs can add 25–35%.

• Export Pricing Advantage

Reduced pricing is available for works exported outside the UK.

• Specialist Global Shipping

We manage the entire process, including custom crating, export documentation, and fully tracked delivery worldwide.

• Buy with Confidence

A 7-day return policy and the option to pay in GBP, USD, or EUR for convenience and transparency.

• Original Period Frames

Many works retain their original carved and gilded frames, which are works of art in their own right and enhance both historical authenticity and decorative impact.

• Personal Advisory Service

We work directly with collectors and interior designers, offering guidance on selection, scale, and placement—including bespoke room mock-ups on request.

Subscribe to our monthly 'new item alert' to be the first to hear about new works