Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt (Delft 1566 - 1641) ce

Circle of Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt (Delft 1566 - 1641) Portrait of a gentleman in dark attire with a ruff, at the age of fifty-nine, 1624. At the upper right, the family coat of arms, the portrayed's age "59", and the date "1624". Oil on Canvas 55 x 42 cm - Framed 86 x 73 cm Antique Flemish painting, executed in oil on canvas, depicting a distinguished gentleman portrayed at the age of 59 - as indicated by the inscription - and dressed in the elegant attire of the time, specifically a simple black suit, closed at the chest with a row of buttons and embellished with a striking, wide, pleated white ruff defined as a 'millstone collar'. The detail and realism of the painting are striking, with particular attention paid to the gaze, which seems to almost converse with the viewer thanks to a nearly hypnotic look directly out of the painting. This work can be easily attributed to an author from the school of the celebrated Flemish portraitist Michiel Jansz van Mierevelt (Delft 1566 - 1641), active in the early 17th century (the work is dated 1624). Consider that portraiture in Delft at the beginning of the 17th century was dominated by Herman van der Mast (c.1550-c.1610), Jacob I Willemsz Delff (c.1540-1601) and especially Michiel Jansz. van Mierevelt (1567-1641) who, after the death of the first two, took over almost all of the city's wealthy clientele. He became the undisputed reference for this art, renowned for his extraordinary talent as a painter and for his ability to transpose the psychological acuity of his models onto canvas. Our author inherits this great mastery, capable of bringing the portrayed to life, capturing their essence. The composition of the painting is very interesting: the man is placed against a dark and austere background, which highlights his figure and his clothes. Although extremely simple, the refinement in the treatment of the fabrics and the collar, highlighted by a luminous white, should be noted. The austerity and impressiveness of the man contrast sharply with the flower he holds in his hands, with an almost awkward gesture: a small pink carnation, which functions as an oxymoron and has the power to soften and sweeten such a stern figure. In reality, the flower may carry a symbolic value, an iconographic attribute very common in the history of Renaissance art, used not only in devotional paintings for its clear Christian allusions but also cited in portraits to symbolize love and affective bonds. Good condition; the painting is framed in an elegant ebonized wood frame, which further enhances the beauty and importance of the work. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The sold artwork is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We handle and organize the transport of purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery in Riva del Garda; we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Contact us, without obligation, for any additional information. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco