This late 17th-century Flemish oil painting depicts an ordained member of the Catholic Church, probably a prelate, wearing a black cassock (or mozzetta) and black zucchetto.
Acquired in Denmark, the history of this remarkable piece has been lost over the centuries, but there are clues, particularly with regard to the outfit, that assist with the detective work.
Produced in around 1690, it can’t be of Danish origin as Lutheranism replaced Roman Catholicism in 1536, during the Reformation. Stylistically, it aligns with Flemish painters and for comparison, it’s interesting to consider this portrait of Gaspar Nemius, Bishop of Antwerp, by Erasmus II Quellinus (1607-1678), which is at the Royal Museum of Fine Arts Antwerp. Note the gentle expressions, each sitter conveying their kind and compassionate spirit.
https://vlaamsekunstcollectie.be/en/collection/281
Erasmus II Quellinus often collaborated with Sir Peter Paul Rubens (1577-1640) and there are Rubenesque echoes in both his portrait of Nemius and, indeed, our own portrait of this prelate.
The outfits, too, are also rather similar, with both wearing a black mozzetta (a short cape with a hood), which is fastened via buttons in amaranth red. The piping and buttons of a mozzetta are usually determined according to rank: black for priests, purple for chaplains; amaranth red for bishops and prelates, and scarlet red for cardinals. The headwear is different, however, with the prelate wearing a black zucchetto, usually reserved for non-territorial abbots, priests and deacons.
Whoever this respectable character is, his portrait remains an enchanting survivor of the fascinating Baroque period.
Held in a later frame.
Medium: Oil on canvas
Overall size: 28½” x 32½” / 72cm x 83cm
Year of creation: c. 1690
Provenance: Private collection, Denmark.
Condition: Assessed and approved by our conservator. Cleaned. Revarnished. Canvas relined. Fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Areas of restoration. Frame restored.
Our reference: BRV1741
