Portrait of a Gentleman Dated 1683, Attributed to Jan De Baen (1633-1702)

In this methodically composed and exceptionally well executed portrait, a gentleman is standing beside a table with books and through the window in the background is a landscape with a broody sky. An inscription states that the subject was aged 43 when the portrait was painted in 1683. The gentleman is said to be Dodo von Innhausen und Knyphausen (1641–1698) who was a German nobleman from the Duchy of Prussia in the service of Brandenburg-Prussia during the reigns of Electors Frederick William and Frederick III. The swag of curtain suggests wealth and the books on the table could symbolise his profession of Privy Councilor under the Elector Frederick William, a position held since April 1683. It is likely that this grand scale portrait was painted to celebrate this event.

The sitter wears an immensely expensive full wig and a Japanese rok which was a type of banyan. These garments were commonly worn indoors (sometimes called an Indian or Persian gown due to their Eastern origin and Oriental cut) when visitors were met. Although very comfortable they were highly respectable and quite splendid (often made from brocades, velvets and silks, with elegant masses of fabric protecting against the cold or draughts). A shirt, the breeches, and often the waistcoat were worn underneath - they were by no means comparable with modern dressing gowns.

Dodo was a descendant of the East Frisian noble family Innhausen and Knyphausen, family seat is castle Lütetsburg in Germany (see photo). His grandfather was an important general in the service of the Swedes. In 1683 he was promoted, under the service of Friedrich Wilhelm, to an important office overseeing revenues from the various lands of the Brandenburg Hohenzollerns and the entire administration of the state domains was subordinate to him. He subsequently created the efficient Geheime Hofkammer, or collegiate central control office, for Brandenburg-Prussia and he was able to increase the revenue of the state significantly.

The handling of the entire face and both hands is very sophisticated. Presented in a good quality ebonised antique frame.

Jan de Baen (1633-1702) was a Dutch Golden Age portrait painter. He studied in Amsterdam from 1645 to 1648 and he worked for Charles II of England in his Dutch exile. From 1660 until his death he lived and worked in The Hague. His talent meant that he was one of the most popular artists of the time and he painted the most distinguished people – royalty, nobility and other wealthy individuals. In around 1666 he was allegedly invited by Lord Killigrew to come to England and paint his portrait and also a portrait of King Charles II. The Elector of Brandenburg asked him to work at his court in Berlin, but he refused this invitation. He was court artist to the House of Orange and typical of that generation of Dutch artist who was brought up on the portraiture of the school of Rembrandt but in later life opted for the more elegant style of Van Dyck.

Measurements: Height 159cm, Width 129cm, Depth 10cm framed (Height 62.5”, Width 50.75”, Depth 4” framed)

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