This mid-17th-century bust-length Flemish school portrait depicts the Dutch Catholic bishop Cornelius Janssen (1585-1638). Painted when into his later years, this intriguing historical portrayal appears to be a one-off and we’ve been unable to find a similar depiction.
Following the publication, posthumously, of his controversial work ‘Augustinus’, Janssen inspired the theological movement Jansenism. It arose in reaction to issues surrounding the concepts of free will and divine grace but later encroached into both political and philosophical discussions around the ‘divine right of Kings’.
Janssen’s book explained that free will had no place in society and the only way to guarantee salvation was via the grace of God. His ideas provoked lively debates, particularly in France, with many referring to them as dangerous heresy.
He’s depicted wearing a black cassock, black biretta, and white collar.
Held in a later frame.
Medium: Oil on panel
Overall size: 19½” x 26” / 49cm x 66cm
Year of creation: c. 1635
Labels & Inscriptions: Label with an inscription relating to the sitter on the reverse.
Provenance: Private collection, Belgium.
Condition: Cleaned. Revarnished. Areas of fine and settled craquelure, as you would expect. The paint layer is stable. Repair to previous crack in panel. Areas of historic restoration including in-painting. Frame in excellent condition.
Our reference: BRV1625
