Jan van Gelder (Anversa 1621 – Modena 1685)

Jan van Gelder, Italianized Giovanni Vangheldri (Antwerp 1621 – Modena 1685) Portrait of Duchess Vittoria Farnese d'Este (Parma, 1618 – Modena, 1649) wife of Francesco I d'Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio Oil on canvas (72 x 55 cm - In antique frame 92 x 77 cm) Elegant portrait of Duchess Vittoria Farnese, daughter of Ranuccio I Farnese, Duke of Parma and Piacenza and of his wife Margherita Aldobrandini, granddaughter of Giovanni Francesco Aldobrandini, Prince of Rossano and Pope Clement VIII. The illustrious effigy was given in marriage to Francesco I d'Este, Duke of Modena and Reggio, and the sumptuous marriage, which was held in Parma in 1648, was celebrated in the poems of the great poets of the time, including Giuliano Cassiani and Flaminio Calvi; during the celebrations, the ballet "La Vittoria d'Imeneo", written by the composer Benedetto Ferrari in their honor, was staged. The author immortalizes the noblewoman half-bust and three-quarters, with a dark dress of great elegance adorned with several stands of pearls, presented with a proud but gentle look, as the tradition of the time wanted: during her reign she managed to earn the respect of her subjects for her piety and generosity. The painting, made in the first half of the seventeenth century, is to be approached to an author close to the painter Justus Sustermans (1597 - 1681), Flemish portrait painter, known for his portraits of members of the Medici family, of which he became court painter, and the Este family. In particular, our painting is attributable to the hand of Jan van Gelder (Antwerp 1621 – Modena 1685), first nephew of Justus Sustermans and called by Modena himself in 1649 to be part of his workshop, officially occupying the role of copyist of the portraits of the princes of Este to be sent to other courts for diplomatic purposes. Van Gelder also served the court under the duchy of Francesco II, and the Este inventories report numerous his works. The copies of some portraits of Sustermans belong to van Gelder, including Vittoria Farnese d'Este, today at the Palazzo Ducale of Modena (imm.1 https://catalogo.beniculturali.it/detail/HistoricOrArtisticProperty/0800270782). We can also mention the work from the private collection of the Banca Popolare dell'Emilia Romagna, which could easily be traced back to the same van Gelder (imm.2 https://www.lagalleriabper.it/collezioni/ritratto-di-vittoria-farnese/) This type of work, often replicated on several occasions, had the task of disseminating the features of the rulers and were donated by them to subordinates as a sign of particular favor or sent as a sign of friendship to the exponents of other houses. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: The work sold is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and guarantee. We take care of and organize the transport of the purchased works, both for Italy and abroad, through professional and insured carriers. It is also possible to see the painting in the gallery of Riva del Garda, we will be happy to welcome you to show you our collection of works. Follow us also on: INSTAGRAM https://www.instagram.com/galleriacastelbarco/?hl=it FACEBOOK https://www.facebook.com/galleriacastelbarco/