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    • Mid-17th-Century German School

    Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein

    £2,800
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein

    Mid-17th-Century German School

    Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein

    £2,800
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    This striking mid-17th-century German oil painting depicts Gustavus Adolphus Meller (or Müller) of Erdingen and Wildenstein at the age of 36. An inscription identifies the sitter as "Junker Gust. Ad. Meller v. Erdingen v. Wildenstein. Anno Dom. 1654. AET. 36", preserving not only his name but also his rank and age. The inscription corresponds closely with documentary records associated with Schloss Wildenstein.

    The portrait belongs to a generation shaped by one of Europe's most turbulent periods. Gustavus Adolphus was born around 1618, the very year in which the Thirty Years' War began. Family records connect the Meller (or Müller) family with military service during that devastating conflict, while later documents place Gustavus Adolphus at Schloss Wildenstein, where he became associated with the estate during the 1650s.

    The sitter is dressed in a dark coat with a crisp white linen collar, while his appearance is defined by the elegantly groomed moustache and pointed beard fashionable among German noblemen during the period. His steady gaze and composed expression suggest a man of education and standing.

    Although the artist remains unidentified beyond the initials H.L., the portrait displays the handling expected of a capable provincial master. Soft modelling across the face contrasts effectively with the dark background, drawing immediate attention to the sitter's alert eyes and individual features. It feels honest - with the painter concentrating on achieving a convincing likeness, rather than a representation of status.

    Today the painting survives as a tangible survivor from one of the most transformative periods in European history.

    In 1990, the portrait was sold through Christie's, London, in a sale of 'Old Master Pictures from Schloss Wildenstein'.

    Presented in a simple black frame, which also carries age.

    Medium
    Oil on panel

    Overall size
    24” x 27” / 61cm x 69cm

    Year of creation
    1654

    Labels & Inscriptions
    Various inscriptions. Christie's stencil on the reverse.

    Provenance
    Old Master Pictures From Schloss Wildenstein, Christie's, London, 6 July 1990, lot 3 / Private collection, UK.

    Conservation
    Professionally conserved, including careful cleaning to reveal the painting’s true colouring and remove accumulated surface grime that can be harmful over time. A protective layer of conservation varnish has also been applied. The paint layer is stable.

    Condition
    Very presentable for its age. Craquelure, as one would expect. Frame showing some marks and wear consistent with age and use.

    Our reference
    BRV2318

    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein
    Mid-17th-Century German School, Portrait Of Gustavus Adolphus Meller Of Erdingen & Wildenstein

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